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Over the years, I have had the privilege to serve my community in a number of ways — as a selectman for the Town of China, a former member of the China Budget Committee, president of the China Four Seasons Club, and both Masonic lodges in town.
In rural Maine, service still matters. Your word still matters. People pay attention to character.
That is why, after recently watching the Republican gubernatorial debates, I came away impressed with Garrett Mason.
His professionalism, honesty, and experience is what stood out to me. Garrett Mason spoke like someone who understands Maine, understands government, and understands the challenges facing working families and rural communities.
People in rural Maine know when they are being sold a story. We are practical people. We work hard, we value integrity, and we appreciate authenticity. True Mainers can tell pretty quickly who is genuine and who is not.
Garrett Mason came across as the real deal.
He did not offer unrealistic promises or pretend there are easy solutions to difficult problems. Instead, he spoke plainly about conservative principles, responsible government, economic opportunity, and restoring common sense leadership in Augusta.
That matters to me because Maine does not need more empty slogans. We need steady leadership from someone who can actually get the job done.
On June 9, I will be voting for Garrett Mason in the Republican primary for governor, and I encourage others to give him a serious look as well.
Thomas Rumpf
China