Letters to the Editor

Election letters

To the editor,

I am a resident and taxpayer of Kennebunk. On Nov. 8, the town will be voting on a bunch of important things as we do in every election. One very important thing that we will be voting for specifically is Question B. A yes vote will change the current retirement plan for our first responders and make the town more attractive for retention and recruitment of new public safety professionals. Recruiting in this day and age is challenging and costly, especially finding individuals that are willing to make a career of putting their lives on the line, all in the call of duty.

As a resident, it is very important for me to know that if I need emergency services, those services will be available to me in a quick and timely manner. That can only happen with full employment levels. With current staffing levels, services are requiring more professionals to work overtime, at an added cost to the town or simply lack of services. When the town loses a first responder, it also loses the investment that was put into that professional. Turnover can cost the town their investment, our investment of tax dollars, on average $75,000 to train/qualify new hires.

The taxpayers of Kennebunk have always supported the new equipment for our first responders. We can buy all the police cars, fire engines and ambulances it needs, but what if we don’t have the first responders to answer the calls? The cost if passed for Question B is roughly $.06/thousand. So a person with an assessed value of $300,000 would see an increase of $18/year. It has the support of the select board and the budget board. Let’s continue supporting our first responders.

I plan on voting yes on Question B.

Jason St. Jean

Kennebunk

To the editor,

Dan Sayre, candidate for the Maine House, District 8 (Arundel, most of the Kennebunks) recognizes the importance of education for all Maine children and youth (pre-K through college) – important for both our students and the prosperity of our state. And, he realizes the importance of providing educational options for all students; that college is not always the best option for some students. As Dan has said numerous times, “by matching the skills taught in school with the demands in the workforce, we can build an economy that allows young people to earn a living right here in Maine.”

Dan is also committed to maintaining 55 percent state funding of education – good for public education but also good for we taxpayers by keeping taxes down.

Even though Dan has publicly expressed his position on many of the challenges facing Maine, I’ve been impressed with his willingness to listen and to compromise in order to get things done. Reaching across the aisle is not a cliché for him.

The ability to communicate effectively is an asset for a legislator and Dan has that ability. He’s a very effective speaker and has that unique ability to make a complex issue understandable. When Dan Sayre speaks, most listen.

In addition to being an advocate for state-wide quality education, he’s pro-Choice and will work to preserve the Maine laws that protect the right of abortion and that prevent government from dictating what forms of care a pregnant person may access. And, Dan believes we need to protect all persons who provide abortions and abortion care by enacting shield laws.

Quality housing which is widely available and affordable, protecting the environment, and reducing our dependence on fossil fuel are other goals to which Dan is committed.

Dan Sayre will listen to his constituents; will use his considerable leadership skills to be an effective legislator; and will work tirelessly to get things done.

He has my vote. I hope he has your vote, also.

Bob Wuerthner

Kennebunk

To the editor,

On Nov. 8, Kennebunk voters will have the opportunity to vote yes on Question B. This critical referendum question will allow Kennebunk’s first responders to change its current retirement plan while simultaneously supporting the town’s efforts on recruiting and retaining the very best personnel. In today’s climate and job market, it is not always easy to recruit people who want to make the endless sacrifices that come with a career in public safety. When the town of Kennebunk hires and trains its public safety professionals it’s making an investment. By voting yes on Question B, its residents will continue to see the return on their investment.

Yes, town management and the voters have shown steadfast support for its public safety community when it comes to capital items such as vehicles, tools, and equipment. Question B is a chance to continue that support and invest in its personnel – its people.

As we began our educational efforts in town, folks would often ask about the financial implications of such a change and the bottom line is an increase of less than 6 cents per thousand for the taxpayer. Most importantly, Question B already has the support of the police union, the fire union, your police chief, your fire chief, your select board and your budget board.

On Nov. 8, your first responders respectfully ask for your continued support by voting yes on Question B.

Det. Stephen Borst, president

Kennebunk Police Union/Maine Association of Police

To the editor,

Through our current mismanagement in government, we find ourselves experiencing: excessive spending and lack of fiscal responsibility, record rising inflation, high cost of heating oil and gas, painful cost of groceries, increases in basic services, unchecked immigration, school political and social engineering, corporate and government censorship, selective enforcement of laws, devalued police, caving and pandering to special interest. To name a few.

We currently cannot remove the Biden/Harris agenda in Washington, D.C., but we can change our leadership locally and statewide. Our future, as well as our children’s future is on us.

It’s time for change in leadership across the board. I urge you to vote for Paul LePage for governor, Ed Thelander for US Congress, Bradley Scott Ducharme for Maine Senate 34, Elizabeth Jordan for Maine House 134, Jared Hirshfield for Maine House 135, Paul Bennett for county commissioner and Roger Hicks for county sheriff.

Reg Champagne

Kennebunk

To the editor,

Maine was the oldest state in the nation at the very time older Americans became hunted by the lethal scourge of COVID-19. Yet the Maine response caused Maine’s death rate to be at or near the lowest in the United States, and still with a strong economy. That fact is astonishing. Thank you Gov. Mills.

Mills also fully funded education and fully restored revenue sharing back to Maine towns, and she got significant rescue checks to help Maine residents, all while achieving a balanced budget, the highest-ever rainy day fund, and without increasing income or sales taxes.

Janet Mills balances a compassionate heart with common sense. While the job pays so little and has so much responsibility, I am so pleased that she cares enough to campaign to continue as Maine’s chief executive. While Republican groups wage an assault on American women’s rights, who better to be our advocate in the governor’s office?

No two people agree on everything, but democracy asks voters to make the best choice. We have accomplished so much these past four years. Mills’ outstanding record to keep Maine safe and prosperous is there to give us confidence when voting our choice.

Christopher W. Babbidge

Kennebunk

To the editor,

I’m voting for Susan Bloomfield to serve on the Charter Commission for the town of Kennebunk. Since a charter defines the organization, functions and essential procedures of a town government, it’s wise to review and update it regularly.

Susan has the background, skills, and temperament to be a valuable member of the commission. Since moving to Kennebunk over 20 years ago, her career included head librarian at Southern Maine Community College and recreational planner at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. In these positions, she independently researched and produced countless technical documents and reports, as well as documents for the public. She’s built partnerships with media, non-governmental organizations and local organizations.

As a 20-year resident, Susan wants to see Kennebunk thrive. She will assure that the charter process is professional, accessible, participatory, and welcoming of diverse opinions.

Susan Walters

Kennebunk

To the editor,

We all have an opportunity on Nov. 8 to send Joe Rafferty back to the Maine State Senate. Let’s consider what it means to be represented by a working class educator, and coach, who fights for us while maintaining civility.

The people of York County and the 34th District have been served well by Sen. Rafferty during his first two years in Augusta. He has proved that he will work with people of all political beliefs to better the lives of his constituents.

In these times of hyperpartisanship and fearmongering language, Joe has been a steady, calm voice, ready to work as a team to bring people together to solve real problems. Let your voice be heard by voting on Nov. 8, and please contemplate voting for Joe “Coach” Rafferty.

Paul Maguire

Kennebunk

To the editor,

I am writing in support of Roger Hicks. I have known Roger for over 30 years. We served together at the sheriff’s office for many years.

Roger is more than qualified for the post of York County sheriff. His service was always professional and above reproach. His honesty, compassion, loyalty, and dedication to the department was his trademark, then as now.

He holds valid documentation from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy to be a candidate for the office of sheriff. He is keenly aware of the issues surrounding each division of that department. His plan to address the issues of each division is sound and well thought out.

Roger Hicks has the experience, character, and management skills to lead that office. The officers who work for the sheriff’s office deserve a leader that will bring about positive change for a better working environment. Please join me in voting for Roger Hicks for York County sheriff.