Being a leader is not easy. You need to have the moral courage to endure the criticism, arguments and sometimes intimidation that comes along when leading others to accept a certain path or public policy for the “public good” well before it is accepted by the public.

Maine has certainly had leaders with moral courage: Sen. Margaret Chase Smith leading efforts against McCarthyism, Sen. Edmund Muskie leading early efforts to regulate polluters and clean up the environment – and there have been many more. Independent Eliot Cutler is one such leader – one with the moral courage to make the changes we need in Maine.

With great leaders, our policies change and we become better, stronger, safer, etc. Leaders “lead” – followers “evolve.” Eliot Cutler has my vote for governor.

Sandy Thompson

Freeport