Collins’ courageous health care vote
I attended a talk recently by former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell. He’s another of the handful of Maine senators who have done this state proud over and over again. And is still doing so.
At the end of his talk, he said he had one more important item to share. He said he was not a Republican but that any of the plans the Republicans offered to replace and repeal Obamacare would have been horrible for so many, many Mainers.
And he asked the entire audience to send Sen. Susan Collins a note to thank her for her vote.
And I would add, send Sen. John McCain one. His vote was, as he said, not so much for the bill but in opposition to the process his fellow Republicans tried to ram down the throats of the country.
Three very courageous Americans stood for doing what was right. And we owe them a debt of gratitude.
Nancy J. Fitzgerald
Gouldsboro
Voter fraud a lie
At a time when nearly every political act deepens our nation’s mistrust of government, it is heartening to see Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap stick to his principles on not sharing Maine’s voter data with President Donald Trump’s panel on voter fraud.
Voter fraud is a lie, and the purpose behind that lie is to create ways that make it harder for Americans to vote. Blocking this inalienable right is among the most un-American actions I can imagine. Inventing a heinous lie and a creating noble-sounding panel does not change that real purpose.
Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Keep up the good work on our behalf.
Craig Kesselheim
Southwest Harbor
Implement ranked-choice voting
Thanks to the passage of Question 5 last November, Maine voters look forward to using ranked-choice ballots in the June 2018 primaries. This is a very big deal. This is a big deal especially in the gubernatorial primaries where at least seven candidates have already announced their campaigns. In this crowded field of candidates, ranked-choice voting would ensure that the voice of the majority is heard.
I am writing at this time because it has now become apparent that we cannot take it for granted that ranked-choice voting will actually be there for Mainers in June. While this change received the second-largest yes vote in the history of Maine’s referendum process, our secretary of state continues to procrastinate with implementation and opponents in the Legislature continue to work toward its repeal.
If the will of the people is to be upheld, we must all remain active and engaged over the next few months. I strongly urge voters to be vocal in defense of this law and demand effective and timely implementation.
Susan Lee
Vinalhaven
Fight ranked-choice voting repeal
Ranked-choice voting was passed by the second largest yes vote in the history of Maine referenda.
Thankfully, LD 1625, the bill which sought to fully repeal this law, failed to pass this legislative session. For now, this means voters can look forward to using ranked-choice voting in the June 2018 primaries and in the November 2018 general election. And with so many candidates on both sides of the aisle declaring their candidacies for governor, the need for ranked-choice voting is more relevant than ever.
Opponents will be restarting their efforts soon to delay and repeal this law before voters have the opportunity to use it next June. We can’t let this happen. You can take action by contacting your legislators and demonstrating your support, but also by having more conversations with family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. Education is key.
Julia Fitz-Randolph
Pemaquid