LETTERS: Let’s send Mike Ray to the Maine House

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To the editor:

With the summer vacation season coming to a close and schools about to start, voters will begin to focus on the November 5th general election.I will be among the voters in Appleton, Islesboro, Liberty, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill and Searsmont who will be voting to send Mike Ray to the Maine House of Representatives to replace the retiring Paige Zeigler.

Mike, who has served on the Lincolnville Select Board since 2020, has been a community leader. I know from my own experience that Mike listens, learns and follows through on constituent issues and concerns and cares deeply about his community. Among other things, Mike serves on the Maine Municipal Association Legislative Policy Committee and the Midcoast Council of Governments.

As a Maine State Representative, Mike Ray will work to secure reliable funding to ensure our roads are maintained, fight to lower costs for Maine families and to create more good-paying jobs, help our communities face the severe storms resulting from climate change and promote district-wide cooperation on land use, infrastructure and emergency services.

Please join me in supporting Mike Ray this November 5.

Bart Carhart
Lincolnville

LETTERS: Maine won’t wait on climate change

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To the editor:

Your voice matters in Maine’s fight against climate change!

The Maine Climate Council is updating the state’s action plan, “Maine Won’t Wait” and they want your input. This action plan addresses important topics such as strategies to protect our communities and prepare for the future.

Earlier this year, expert statewide working groups compiled draft climate strategies and presented them to the council. All Mainers now have the opportunity to provide feedback regarding these draft climate strategies.

The state’s action plan is incredibly important to our future and generations to come, which is why we should make our voices heard. Please consider taking the survey and sharing your thoughts so that the Maine Climate Council can continue to advocate for positive enhancements to our state plan.

To access the survey, visit www.maine.gov and search for “2024 Draft Climate Strategies & Survey”. The deadline to participate is September 20th.

Jane Margesson, Director
AARP Maine Communications

LETTERS: Mike Ray for District 40 State Representative

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To the editor:

Mike Ray is my idea of a great neighbor. He’s a regular volunteer for the Waldo County Woodshed, has served on many local committees and is currently on the Lincolnville selectboard. Mike deeply respects our natural environment, having led camping trips as a registered Maine guide and managed a woodlot. He’s a down-to-earth, regular person.

As a selectman, Mike understands firsthand the challenge of watching out for his neighbors’ pocketbooks while providing essential services such as education, fire/emergency services and sensible development.

For those living in Appleton, Islesboro, Liberty, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill or Searsmont, a vote for Mike Ray for State Representative will bring locally-informed, common-sense leadership to Augusta. And he’s done his homework … sitting in on legislative committee meetings to study how the legislative process works. Mike is ready to hit the ground running!

Bob Kohl
Liberty

LETTERS: Elise Brown will listen

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To the editor:

Mainers have the luxury of meeting the people who are running for office to represent us. Getting to know candidates personally makes a difference. I have met Elise Brown several times, and I’m voting for her to be Waldo County Commissioner in District #3.

In the past six months, I have spoken with Elise at the Searsmont Town Meeting, the Searsmont Memorial Day Parade, and at Hannaford, in Belfast. She took the time to come to a Searsmont Selectmen’s meeting to ask “What do you need from your county government?” and “What issues do you have with the commissioners now?” Attending that meeting as a newspaper’s town correspondent, I was impressed with her questions. I was even more impressed when she listened to the answers.

Elise also tells you when she does not know something. And, special for a candidate, she treats you like you are the only and most important person in the room. I’m old enough to appreciate these qualities, and to have experienced very different reactions and evasions in the past from people running for local, state and federal office.

In short, I have gotten to know something about Elise Brown, the person. Call her a breath of fresh air. Or call her the Waldo County District #3 County Commissioner. Come November, that’s who I hope she will be. I ask folks from Brooks, Burnham, Freedom, Knox, Liberty, Montville, Morrill, Palermo, Searsmont, Thorndike, Troy and Unity to join me in voting for Elise.

Michael Sirota
Searsmont

LETTERS: Let’s all support Laura Jones!

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To the editor:

I am excited and fully support Laura Jones’ candidacy for House of Representatives for our district (i.e., Vassalboro and Sidney). Laura’s Vassalboro ties go back four generations, and her dedication and devotion to our area and our state are remarkable. Laura recently retired from a stellar career in the military (which highlights her commitment to country as well as community). Laura has taken on a leadership role in engaging citizen participation in the community, providing opportunities for people to share ideas, activities, and ways to make our community better. Laura has the energy, enthusiasm and abilities to take her knowledge and skills and do the same things for us at the state level. Please vote for Laura Jones, House District #61 on or by November 5.

Amy Davidoff
Vassalboro

LETTERS: Elise Brown for Waldo County Commissioner

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To the editor:

We who live in Liberty are fortunate to witness Elise in action – as our long-time Director of Emergency Management and for many years as budget committee chairman. But what personally impresses me the most is her thoughtful presence at selectboard and annual town meetings.

No matter how controversial the issue, Elise articulates a common-sense path forward taking into account the facts in a manner that respects all views. To me, this is why Elise was honored with the dedication in a recent town annual report.

I hope more of you can get to know her as our Waldo County Commissioner. She’s a star. We’re willing to share her talents!

Bob Kohl
Liberty

LETTERS: Elise Brown is dedicated to our community

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To the editor:

When Elise Brown told me she was running for Waldo County Commissioner in District #3, I went online to learn what a County Commissioner does. Much of our quality of life here in Waldo County is affected by county government. Here are some functions for which County Commissioners are responsible: our District Attorney’s Office, Emergency Management Agency, Sheriff’s Office, Registry of Probate, Registry of Deeds, as well as 911 services.

Elise is well prepared to take on this important role. She has a history in Liberty as fire chief, EMT, emergency manager and firefighter. She has served on Liberty’s budget committee for seven years, and as its chairman for four years. She co-owns a local weatherization contracting company, and has demonstrated experience managing people and budgets. She is articulate, caring, and involved in community. That’s why a vote for Elise Brown will make a difference.

Jean Wakem
Liberty

LETTERS: Meyer connects with community

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To the editor:

I’m thrilled to endorse Robert Meyer for State Senate! I’ve witnessed his efforts to connect with our community, truly understanding the people he aims to represent. His kindness, humility, and genuineness are evident in every interaction, especially when he speaks about his family.

He shares my values, prioritizing Christian faith, family, small businesses, and parental rights.

I know that he will work hard to represent Waldo County and the things that really matter to us.

Meet him and you’ll understand why I wholeheartedly support him!

Kristi Philbrook
Belfast

LETTERS: Will not seek re-election

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To the editor:

I would like to thank the residents of China for supporting me over the last five years in my role on the select board. I have learned a lot about local government and have enjoyed representing your interests. However, I will not be seeking another term. Nomination papers are now available for the November election at the Town Office, and I encourage you to get involved and run for my spot. It’s time for some new faces.

The most important lesson from my experience is that you really can make a difference. Even when I disagree with my colleagues on the Board, I still enjoy the respectful and collaborative process that generally leads to a consensus.

It is also always a pleasure to work with our exceptional Town Manager, Becky Hapgood. Becky is extremely capable and hard working, and her historical knowledge of the Town and its residents is extraordinary. She truly loves China, and she treats everyone with respect and kindness. We are very fortunate to have her leadership.

It has truly been an honor to serve you, and I urge you to take a turn. We need a new generation of fresh ideas to move China forward. You really can make a difference!

With respect and appreciation,

Janet Preston
China Select Board

LETTERS: Kudos to SCVFD

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To the editor:

Many, many thanks to the South China Volunteer Fire Department volunteers. Recent storms have certainly caused huge problems – sometimes very dangerous problems. Twice in the last few months on the road I live on, multiple trees have downed wires across our narrow, windy road with its blind spots, making travel on the road hazardous to say the least. On both occasions a call to 911 resulted in someone from the department being on the scene within only a matter of minutes, assessing the scene, communicating with others as needed, and then helping to ensure cones were put out and drivers provided warning of the danger so they stayed safe.

These volunteers have work, families, and a host of other obligations, just like the rest of us. But they add to their busy lives serving their community. Indeed, they literally drop what they are doing day or night to provide assistance for a wide range of situations, all of which are focused on helping the rest of us stay safe or get needed help.

I am so very grateful to these folks. I hope others will join me in not only thanking them but supporting them in whatever possible. And for those of you outside of South China, I hope you will do the same for your local fire department volunteers. We are all in their debt.

Susan Cottle
South China