Next Tuesday, June 10, is the primary election.

As residents of the state with the 48th worst economy, and second highest tax burden, election day is our only chance to make a choice, and be heard by those who would legislate and set policy in this state and nation.

The big race on June 10 is for Maine’s 1st District Congressional seat. Tom Allen has relinquished the seat in order to run for the Senate seat held by Susan Collins.

There are six Democrats vying for this office, as well as two Republicans. For the most part, the Democrat candidates are the usual mix of Augusta fixtures, and most of them are part of the reason this state is in such miserable economic condition.

On the Republican side, Charlie Summers is running – again. This is his third try at the seat, having lost in a primary, and then in a general election against Tom Allen in ’04. Summers is one of the Snowe-Collins Republicans, having adopted many of the liberal Democratic positions and calling them their own.

Then there is Dean Scontras.

Scontras is a native of Kittery, Maine, and a graduate of the University of Maine. As opposed to the professional politician he’s running against, Dean is a successful businessman, and a newcomer to the political scene. He recognizes the immense challenges that face our nation, and approaches all issues in a no-nonsense, head-on manner.

Dean doesn’t tell you what you want to hear, he tells you what you need to hear! His positions do not change according to his audience.

Scontras supports the development of a comprehensive energy plan for the country, not only to include making it economically feasible for the private sector to pursue renewable energy solutions, but also to extract and use the oil and gas that we already own inside the United States in order to lessen our dependence on foreign sources.

He recognizes the plight that we are in due to today’s politicians refusing to fix Social Security and Medicare, and has offered thoughtful and comprehensive plans towards resolving those issues.

Scontras stand firmly against illegal immigration, and believes marriage is between a man and a woman. Not one of the other candidates has stood up on these issues.

Dean Scontras has introduced a breath of fresh air into the political arena. He’s a political outsider with solid values, positions, and policies, not another retread political hack that would do little but maintain the status quo.

So on June 10, please remember to vote, and please remember to vote for Dean Scontras!

Ted Ropple

Casco