Legislators Do More Than Legislate

It is an honor to be re-elected to the Maine House, representing HD 51 for a second term. The last two years have been a remarkable experience, one of learning, listening, collaborating, advocating, communicating, all in order to best represent our district.

Though in the end unopposed, during the campaign I had two opponents. Each called to tell me he was dropping out, one in June, the second in August. There was no mud slinging and I am proud to have always run a positive campaign focused on my record, not on tearing down my opponent. Unfortunately, not all candidates can say that; we deserve much better. We need campaigns focused on the issues and legislators who represent their districts with honesty, determination, and compassion.

The role of legislator is often thought of only in terms of legislation sponsored. What is less visible are “constituent services.” These are opportunities to serve whenever constituents meet with, write, email, or call their legislator for help or answers, or to give suggestions or advice. I am proud of my constituent service, of being responsive and effective in finding answers and working together. And I’m proud of all of you who have stayed in touch about your positions and concerns. I remain eager to hear from you in order to represent you in the best way possible. And I remain determined to do just that.

Joyce “Jay” McCreight,
House District 51

West’s Erroneous, Illogical Column

Regarding Krysta West’s Maine Wire column (Nov. 10) on the recent gun sales ballot, she makes a great example of how impossible this issue is to discuss rationally and logically. Gun ownership is a “God-given right”? Whatever you think the Second Amendment says, it makes no mention of God-given rights. Perhaps Ms. West is thinking of a marriage ceremony where it mentions “let not man put asunder.” It does mention gun possession being associated with a well regulated militia, something Ms. West and the NRA conveniently ignore.

Ms. West’s focus on Michael Bloomberg’s backing for the ballot makes for a good boogie man to be up in arms about (this is not a pun). She (and perhaps the entire MHPC) ignores the billionaire Koch brothers’ (who are from away) massive infusion of money that supports her group which in turn affects Maine’s legislature and indeed state legislatures all over the country. Incidentally, the Koch brothers are longtime, intentional avoiders of pollution laws.

I understand The Times Record making room for an individual’s letter to the editor. I don’t understand allowing groups to write columns that are filled with erroneous conclusions based in misinformation and illogical thinking.

Brian Hirst,
Harpswel