Vote for Mike
I like Eliot Cutler. He’s a smart guy, and I voted for him for governor last time around, when it became clear that Libby Mitchell couldn’t win. I won’t do it this time, because it’s Cutler who can’t win, and if Gov. Paul LePage gets a second term, he should send Cutler a case of champagne to thank him for his help.
Make no mistake about it: A vote for Cutler is a vote for LePage. If you feel as I do, that LePage has done a lousy job, I hope you’ll vote for Mike Michaud. It’s time to turn LePage out of the Blaine House and get Maine moving in the right direction again.
Stephen King
Bangor
I’m with Cary
Over the past four-plus years, I’ve been fortunate to watch Bangor begin what many are calling an “entertainment evolution.” While this evolution has been exciting to be a part of, it truly pales in comparison to the resurgence of energy and excitement stemming from the economic and community-focused efforts in the region.
While working with members of the Bangor City Council in 2011, I had the pleasure to meet Cary Weston. Since our initial meeting, I cannot think of anyone who has been more active, involved, and engaged in as many different ways as Cary. As a member of a number of non-profit boards and committees, Cary has been active on issues impacting our community. As a business owner, Cary has created jobs and helped grow a local company that has used its resources to give generously back to the region. As a city councilor and mayor, Cary served Bangor by bringing people together with pragmatic thinking and a common sense approach to public policy.
I’m very happy to hear that Cary is running for state Senate to serve Bangor, Hermon and the state of Maine. From my point of view, Maine desperately needs leaders who can work with others, regardless of party affiliation, to find solutions to everyday problems that affect most Mainers. Cary will do just that. Please join me in supporting Cary Weston for the Maine Senate this November.
Alex Gray
Old Town
Voting for Ward
As a 30-year veteran in law enforcement, I’ve learned to recognize and appreciate clear-thinking, problem-solving people. This past year I’ve enjoyed getting to know just such a person — Karl Ward — and I’m pleased that he has decided to run for state representative for the Hancock County towns of Otis, Dedham, Orland, Penobscot and Verona Island.
Karl is a fellow youth baseball coach, mentoring kids from 8 to 18 years old. He believes strongly that coaching means teaching something beyond the specifics of the game. Like myself, he has dedicated years of his life to helping to show young people how to make good decisions and become not only better players but better individuals. Judging from the dozens of awards and trophies at this office at Nickerson & O’Day, he’s onto something.
Our young people are the future of our state. Ward knows this and, when asked, he’ll quickly tell you that they are one of the reasons he is running. I encourage voters in Otis, Dedham, Orland, Penobscot and Verona Island to cast a vote for our young people and vote for Ward.
Scott Kane
Brooksville
Cain favors UMaine
The Maine Economic Improvement Fund (MEIF) was established in fiscal year 1998 with the goal of funding research and development in seven targeted areas. The statute stated that these funds, which are part of the biennial budget, were to be available to all University of Maine campuses and awarded on a competitive basis.
Several legislative attempts were made to ensure the outlying campuses were offered equal access to apply for funds from the MEIF but then Emily Cain helped thwart these efforts. I wonder if Cain’s employment relationship with the Orono campus may have been part of her decision to resist the equal opportunity for the other campuses. The campuses at Farmington, Fort Kent, Machias and Presque Isle and Augusta were generally discouraged from applying for MEIF funding.
To date, the University of Maine as has received over $209 million from the state of Maine since FY 98. The 2006 report to the governor stated that UMaine and the University of Southern Maine would share the funding: 80 percent to UMaine and 20 percent to USM. Cain supported this position, which was in direct contradiction of Maine statute.
Again, any attempts to manage the MEIF per the statute have been stopped with the help of Cain. So much for the opportunity, which was denied the campuses of Fort Kent, Presque Isle, Machias, Augusta and Farmington.
Rep. H. David Cotta
South China
Vote Michaud
I’ve often heard “a vote for Eliot Cutler is a vote for Gov. Paul LePage.” Upon viewing the interactions between the two of them — high fives, joking and the body language between the two — I am beginning to think this is true in every aspect.
I intend to vote for Mike Michaud.
Dorothy Budge
Millinocket
Hampden robocalls miss mark
As a long-time resident of Hampden, what saddens and angers me most about the robocalls and the property tax increase rhetoric here is the implied criticism of our town and school employees, many of whom live and pay taxes in Hampden. The town budget primarily represents people. It funds salaries and benefits for the individuals who keep the town office, library, and recreation program running, who provide police, fire and ambulance protection, who sort our trash and maintain our roads, who teach our students. What would Hampden do without these dedicated individuals?
Taxpayers and robocallers who think taxes are too high should consider attending the school budget hearing in June 2015. Fewer than 75 voters from the four towns that comprise RSU22 attended the June 2014 hearing, and only a simple majority of these voters decided to add even more funds to the already high budget for the school district. A middle school language arts position that the school board had deleted was reinstated. I was surprised to see so few people in attendance, and especially noted the absence of any Hampden town councilors who have been critical of the school budget. This hearing is the place for taxpayers to be heard.
I don’t enjoy paying taxes.On most days, however, I do enjoy living in Hampden, knowing that my taxes support the services on which I rely. Someday I might even need to ride the Saturday Community Connector with my neighbors.
Kathy W. Walker
Hampden