I have decided we need a governor who is a leader, has an original thought track record, has been successful in creating jobs, knows how to read a balance sheet, is aggressive in pursuing results, has a proven sensitivity to Maine’s environment and understands how to bring people together rather than dividing them.

Mr. Michaud decided he was a follower, stating he would do what Gov. LePage would do about debates, he showed his lack leadership by not making a decision. LePage went into a rant when he refused to go on stage with Michaud. Where’s the leadership in doing that?

Today’s world is complex. It takes measured and thoughtful leadership to be successful and courage to stand up for what you believe.

All three candidates are wealthy. Michaud made a fortune in politics. Lepage has done very well after coming off the streets as a homeless person. Cutler has done well financially. His opponents like to point that out as negative. Being successful should be considered a positive.

Maine’s environment and outdoors reputation is important. Michaud’s record is clear. In 1980, he ran for Maine’s legislature to clean up the Penobscot River which was already being cleaned by order of the Clean Water Act authored by Sen. Ed Muskie with the help of Eliot Cutler. Michaud, once elected advocated for the building of the so called Big A Dam on the Penobscot River’s famed Big Eddy waters. He then supported a bill that tried to overturn the Board of Environmental Protection’s decision to deny a certificate needed to move the Big A Dam forward because of its adverse impact on water quality. Big money already had its hold on Mike Michaud. Now he allows outside money to run nasty ads against his opponents.

Eliot Cutler gets my vote. He stood up at a small meeting I attended and said, “I am asking you for your vote.” I would ask others to do the same and vote for Eliot Cutler.

Douglas Jowett
Brunswick