Editor,

This past Wednesday an informational meeting, sponsored by SAD 61 with a representative from Maine Municipal Association, was held for the public. We were to hear of possible impacts the Taxpayer Bill of Rights might have on Essential Program Services (EPS) and LD 1. I was pleased to see our current state representatives, Rick Sykes and Rich Cebra, in attendance, and Lani Kelley, candidate for State Senate District 12.

Curiously absent, however, was Bill Diamond, our current Senator. I see a lot of his signs around, but never him. What gives? Is Casco (in his district) not important to him? Even Rich Cebra’s opponent showed up, a first for him. But Mr. Diamond was nowhere to be found. This seems like a disconnect to me.

Come to think of it, maybe it’s just as well. I have a problem with people in government who take us working folks for granted. He, with his political comrades in the Democrat party, likes it when he is in everyone’s back pocket. What I cannot figure out is why we should vote for any of them, given their abysmal track record against small business and the jobs they provide. There seems to be a lot of contempt, or at least a lack of respect, for the hard-working folks in this district and the state. Thirty-plus years of this is too much. It is time for change.

Lani Kelley has consistently proven her interest in and concern for the folks in Senate District 12. She will provide the approachable and accountable leadership we need in the Senate for District 12, something we do not have right now. I hope everyone will take the chance to meet, get to know her and give her their vote.

If we hope to change the direction in which we are headed, we MUST get out and vote. I encourage everyone to vote YES on 1, NO on 2, and put accountable people into office to properly represent us. Lani Kelley is that person for Senate District 12. Rich Cebra is that person for House District 101. Chandler Woodcock is that person for governor. See you at the polls!

Gregory Swift

Casco