To the Editor:

I am told that there are some in Brunswick that feel a thirdparty candidate, such as Fred Horch of the Green Independent Party, will struggle to be effective as a representative in Augusta.

When I hear this, I wonder what kind of effectiveness are we talking about? Is it the kind of effectiveness that regularly produces a partisan stalemate in congressional voting? Or maybe it’s the kind that sends our leadership off in rogue directions seeking policy changes that the general populace does not agree with? Or how about the kind of effectiveness that is brought about by backroom deals that benefits only those who are making the deal?

The Green Independent Party, unlike the Republicans and Democrats, does not have a hierarchical power structure. As a Green, Fred Horch believes in the party’s Ten Key Values, and he makes his own policy decisions based on those values.

Republicans and Democrats are often instructed to vote yes or no by party leadership, with the final tally falling along party lines. This is what produces an ineffective stalemate in Congress.

Only you, the constituent, will sway Fred Horch’s vote, not party leadership in Augusta. In fact, Fred’s vote will help to free up the partisan gridlock in the Legislature, allowing our representatives to accomplish more.

I ask the citizens of Brunswick, “How often are you truly satisfied with the results produced by your elected officials?”

I believe it is time for some new vision in our Legislature. It’s time to cast your vote for Fred Horch.

David Frans
Brunswick