Ray Toothaker of Yarmouth and Sarasota, Florida, is a longtime Mainer, independent voter and retired business executive.

As a longtime Mainer and political independent, I have voted for Republicans and Democrats throughout my life. I have never believed that one party has a monopoly on good ideas, good leadership or good judgment. I vote for the person, not the party.

For decades, that approach served me well because Maine has a long history of rewarding independent leadership. Mainers have often elected Republicans, Democrats and independents who were willing to challenge their own party when principle demanded it. Independence was not viewed as a weakness. It was viewed as a strength.

Mainers did not always expect to agree with their elected officials. What they expected was honesty, integrity and courage. Leaders earned respect not because they were loyal to a party, but because they were willing to think for themselves.

Unfortunately, I worry that tradition is fading.

Over the years, whether in Maine, Florida or around the table with friends and neighbors, I have had countless conversations with people from across the political spectrum. While we often disagree on policy issues, many of us share a growing concern that independent leadership is becoming increasingly rare. Too often, political loyalty now seems to matter more than independent judgment.

There was a time when public officials were expected to speak up when something was wrong, regardless of which party was responsible. Today, many seem more concerned about political consequences than constitutional responsibilities. Carefully worded statements of concern have too often replaced meaningful action.

As someone who has voted for Republicans and Democrats alike, I find that deeply troubling.

Many Mainers value common sense over ideology. We appreciate people who are willing to listen, evaluate the facts and make decisions based on what they believe is right rather than what may be politically convenient. That independent streak has long been part of Maine’s identity.

Mainers have historically rewarded leaders who were willing to challenge their own party when principle demanded it, regardless of whether those leaders were Republicans, Democrats or independents.

That is one reason so many voters have become frustrated with the increasingly partisan nature of our politics. Many moderates, independents and even loyal party members feel politically homeless. They no longer see enough leaders willing to put principle ahead of politics.

This is not about supporting one party over another. The larger issue is whether we still value independent leadership and whether we are willing to demand it from those who seek to represent us.

If Maine loses that tradition of independent leadership, we lose something that has long made our state different.

We need leaders who tell the truth, honor their oath to the Constitution and have the courage to stand alone when principle requires it.

I also worry that many younger voters have never experienced the kind of independent leadership that once helped define Maine politics. They have grown up in an era of increasing polarization, where political success is often measured by loyalty to a party or personality rather than a willingness to think independently and challenge one’s own side when necessary.

Maine’s tradition of independent leadership helped make our state unique. It encouraged elected officials to think for themselves and voters to judge candidates on character rather than party labels.

If that tradition has weakened, perhaps it is time for all of us, voters and elected officials alike, to reclaim it. Our state, and our country, would be stronger for it.