The BDN Editorial Board operates independently from the newsroom, and does not set policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com.
This year, the BDN opinion page is taking a different approach to our assessment of Maine’s candidates for office. Rather than having the editorial board drive the discussion, we want to put the focus on the topics and concerns that matter most to you. We hope to help you cut through the political rancor to focus on the kitchen table issues that matter most to Mainers.
So, we put you, our readers — specifically BDN subscribers — in the driver’s seat to focus on the issues that were most important to you.
Over the last few weeks, we asked our subscribers to submit questions. You did! We received nearly 100 questions for the candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. House. Several key concerns emerged. Health care was at the top of the list, with both access and affordability on your minds. Numerous people focused on Social Security: Will it remain available? Will benefits be cut or delayed? Candidates’ plans to address climate change was also a concern, especially to readers from coastal Maine.
You asked how candidates for governor will keep taxes in check without gutting government services. You asked how they’d work with people with different, even opposing views.
You also wanted to know about priorities and accomplishments, about ethics, trust and bipartisan cooperation. Many people expressed fears about the future of our democratic norms and how they can best be preserved. You also wanted to know if candidates shared these concerns.
A special shout out to Stu Kantor for a question that really captures the angst of this election: Why should we trust you?
We combined and narrowed down your questions to a manageable number, and asked candidates to keep their responses brief.
Today, we begin sharing their responses. We start with the race for governor. We’ll continue to share more questions and answers in the coming days and weeks.
You’ll see some common themes, but also stark differences, particularly when it comes to health care and climate change. You may also see some surprises.
Some candidates offered detailed plans, others provided generalities (to be fair, we limited how long their responses could be). Some candidates make pledges they can’t fulfill, such as saying they’ll make decisions that rest with the Maine Legislature, not the governor.
Some touted their own plans and goals. Others criticized their opponent.
We’re thankful that every candidate responded.
Thank you to everyone who sent in questions. Thank you to the candidates (and their staffs) who took the time to offer thoughtful answers. Thank you all for your support of this project, which puts the focus on you, our valued readers and subscribers.
We hope this information, which you asked for, helps you decide who you will vote for in the Nov. 3 election. Visit www.bangordailynews.com/candidates-questions/ to see the responses.
