I’ve been on the fence. The Bangor Daily News’ endorsement of Eliot Cutler pushed me off, solidifying my instinct to be a Cutler supporter. Last week’s column by Jill Goldthwaite in the Ellsworth American had pushed me toward this decision. The BDN’s endorsement clinched it.
As a committed Democrat, I have been waffling. I’ve thought Cutler to be the best candidate for months. Now I’m convinced. I also think he can win.
Maine was served well by our two previous independent governors, James Longley and Angus King. The sky did not fall. It will not fall, either, with Eliot Cutler as our governor. In fact, I believe Maine would profit from it.
To preserve our valuable assets and resources, we need to come together as a state. We need to shepherd and manage them with smart, clear thinking; to be intelligent about taking advantage of our resources in the near and more distant future. We must be smart about taking Maine further into an increasingly complex, technological and divided world.
Eliot Cutler has the personal history and background to meet such a job description.
I do not understand complaints about Cutler’s time away from Maine while getting a solid education under his belt; learning and working under Ed Muskie; being an adviser and staff member to a U.S. president; and becoming knowledgeable about the world’s economy. These experiences are excellent preparation for leading our state toward a more prosperous, multifaceted future.
Further, I see this as a good time for Maine’s Legislature to be led by an independent mind and voice. Our fractured politics, mirrored to an even greater extent nationally, cries out for clear-headed, rational, affordable, forward-thinking solutions. Ahead are very difficult debates and decisions in the Legislature.
Both Paul LePage and Libby Mitchell will be driven by party politics; by small, personal, political rationales. This is not what we need now.
With our economy at the edge of a cliff, a billion-dollar budget shortfall and millions owed to our hospitals, our economic and technological opportunities need assessment and forward movement based on their merits, not decisions clouded by political party considerations.
Legislators may not love it, but we as the state’s residents will be best served by a governor who has to work across the aisle; a governor who can devote all his energies to what is best for Maine and all its residents, not what will advance a single party.
Last, I return to Eliot Cutler, the person. About 35 years ago, I had the good fortune to serve on an advisory committee to the Department of Mental Health and Corrections. Eliot Cutler’s mother also was a member. She was an intelligent and caring individual, deeply committed to the well-being of individuals with mental illness. She never dominated the discussions; she was a listener. When she did speak, it was worth the wait, as she was focused and succinct in putting forward new, workable directions.
Having spoken with her son on several occasions, I find these same attributes. He is a listener as much as a speaker. His ideas make practical sense and take in the reality of our very complex times.
As an independent, he will have the luxury of listening to the many sides of issues. He will not have to pander or give in to either party. That is exactly what we need at this time.
Jane Weil lives in Steuben. She works in the area of family and early childhood services and development in Washington County.