Vote as you wish
Regardless of which gubernatorial candidate one supports, I find the wording “release his voters” in the current Cutler-Michaud controversy an odd turn of phrase. Candidates and parties don’t control or own voters, so no candidate on the ballot this year has any voters to release.
Voters in Maine always have been, and are today, free to cast their ballots for any candidate they wish, without needing permission or fearing retribution. They certainly don’t need permission from a candidate — or a political party — to cast their vote as the feel best.
The only wasted vote is a vote not cast.
David Bright
Dixmont
Vote for Frey
All voters who live in House District 124 have the ability to vote for Aaron Frey to represent us for a second time in the state House of Representatives. I have seen firsthand that Frey truly has his constituents at heart.
I was walking with him while he was knocking on a slew of doors in our district, and before we arrived to the next home he would always tell me what concerns that household had two years ago, when he was running for his first term. It demonstrated to me he really listens to everything we have to say, and he takes those stories and knowledge he has gained with him to Augusta. That has made him a truly amazing legislator and representative of our district.
We are so fortunate to have someone who is smart, passionate and driven wanting to represent us. If we truly want positive change for Bangor, Orono and the state, I would urge you to vote for Frey on Nov. 4.
Sarah Nichols
Bangor
No on Question 1
As the debate on Question 1 comes up around offices, gas pumps, over lunch and many more places, so does the debate on ethics. The Humane Society of the United States and Yes on 1 supporters are suing the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for allowing its wardens and bear biologists to oppose Question 1, saying it’s biased. Is it biased for state troopers and local law enforcement officers to oppose drunken driving and do commercials? What about other state employees, like the Maine Department of Health and Human Services on family matters or the Maine Department of Transportation on road safety?
Maine residents can see the desperate, frivolous attempts by Yes on 1 to tie the tongues of the state professionals and tie up the courts and taxpayers’ money, all so only their opinion can be heard. Stop the waste of our state resources — court employees — and more lawsuits from HSUS. Vote no on 1.
Kevin Smith
Carmel
Faircloth for probate
Every four years, probate judges face election. As voters, we must learn about the person who will decide matters that include estates of deceased persons, guardianships and conservatorships of incapacitated adults and minors, adoptions and other family matters.
This year, Penobscot County has a superb candidate for probate judge. Amy Faircloth has more than 25 years of experience as a trial attorney. Through her professional and public service, she has demonstrated how devoted she is to improving the quality of justice.
She began as a law clerk for justices of the Superior Court. She has worked with some of the finest attorneys in Penobscot County. In her present firm, she focuses on family law in Maine District Court and Probate Court. She served as attorney for the Penobscot Nation Child Support Enforcement Agency. She is the advocate for the Penobscot Nation Domestic Violence Program. Faircloth was a board member of the Bangor Humane Society and board member for Regional School Unit 22. She knows how deeply matters heard in probate court affect those involved.
I am a trial attorney with more than 35 years experience. I need to evaluate judges for my clients so we can best forecast outcomes of trials. My evaluation is that Faircloth would be an exceptional judge of probate.
Paul Chaiken
Bangor
Wind on Mount Waldo
Since the turn of the 20th century, the town of Frankfort has profited from Mount Waldo. First and foremost was quarrying, providing jobs and income to the town. As quarrying fell out of favor, radio and cell towers came into vogue. That revenue allowed landowners to hold onto this large tract of land, which has been open for public use and enjoyment.
The mountain once again wants to give back to the community in the form of a wind project, which will produce revenue to the town and clean renewable energy.
I urge the citizens of Frankfort to vote yes on local Question 1. Let Mount Waldo once again share her assets with the town of Frankfort.
Bernie Madden
Millinocket
Women voters
As the new student intern for Mabel Wadsworth Women’s Health Center, I encourage all women to be a part of this important election. The outcome of this year’s election will greatly affect the state of our health care and economic security in Maine.
As a soon-to-be woman graduate, I want to be involved in deciding who will fight for my economic security and equal pay once I am in the workforce. I also want to be able to access a range of affordable health care options, including any form of reproductive health care I decide is best for me.
By exercising my right to vote, I am honoring the women who fought so hard to give me that right. Women fought in the suffrage movement, many thrown in jail after picketing the White House. They wanted every woman to have the right to vote and let nothing stand in the way.
Some women will not vote this year. Why is that? We have to work? Our vote doesn’t matter? It’s raining? We’re just too busy? Pass this on to all women you know and encourage them to vote. We all should vote and honor these very courageous women.
Whether you vote Democratic, Republican or independent, make sure your voice is heard, either through an absentee ballot or voting in person. Your vote does count on Nov. 4.
Samantha Brown
Orono
Election money
With all the money being spent on political ads, the local television stations and national media should donate money to food pantries, homeless shelters and other public service groups that are chronically short of money. With all the money they are collecting, even 25 percent of all political ad proceeds would be painless. This helpful gesture should start now.
William Patterson
Brownville Junction
Election notice
The Bangor Daily News has stopped accepting letters and commentary related to the Nov. 4 election. We stop publishing election-related letters and columns with today’s edition. Not all submissions could be printed.