Support For Pingree Dear Editor:

As a disabled veteran I was a bit offended recently to see a paid television commercial showing Senator Susan Collins helping an older soldier claim his lost medals. Things like that is routineservice that any member of congress would gladly perform.

However,very few would call attention enough to turn it into a campaign advertisement!

Senator Collins often shows herself leading a group of children in the pledge ofallegiance. If this is all she has to brag her legislative record in congress must be very thin.

I am supporting Chellie Pingree in her bid to be elected to the United States Senate. Her record of accomplishment both in her local community and in the Maine State Senate proves that she understands the true meaning of public service.

Chellie has worked long and hard on such issues as improved education opportunities for our children, protection of our personal privacy and better access to affordable health care with lower cost prescription drugs for everybody. Chellie Pingree truly appreciates the sacrifice many of us have made for our country.

She will always be there for us, not just in self-serving advertisements made during the election season but every day, year after year. Her long and unbroken record of dedicationand leadership are proof of that she would be an extremely effective senator. If we give herthe chance I am certain she will workfor all the people of Maine in an effort to protect our rights and improve our way of life.

What she won't do is stop to have her picture taken every time she steps in front of a flag!

Vote for Chellie Pingree!

Diane G. Longley

Woolwich

Support For Baldacci Dear Editor:

I am calling on the citizens of Lincoln County to vote for John Baldacci for Governor.

John Baldacci is the first candidate to announce an aggressive, comprehensive health plan that provides health coverage to every Maine citizen. Please consider the health care needs of your friends, neighbors, and relatives. John Baldacci can lead the way to improve the quality of life for everyone.

John Baldacci has a record of working for parity between mental and physical health.He recognizes that in order for Maine to have a stable and strong economy, we must have a mental health service system that can and will support every Mainer in real need.

He is committed to creating a mental health system that is cost effective, innovative, easily negotiated, based on prevention and best practices. He will demand that the system be responsive to individual differences and needs and he will ensure that all citizens in need of services can get them here in Maine.

John Baldacci recognizes that the system is fragmented and he will provide the leadership and direction that is needed to fix it. Under his guidance, the citizens of our community can focus on being well instead of how to access the care they need.

John will create the Maine Health Plan - a health plan that most employers cover now, but will include an improved array of services.

Change is never easy, and that will be especially true during these tough economic times. Presently we spend over five billion dollars on healthcare,and if elected, John Baldacci is proposing that we spend those dollars smarter.

John Baldacci does not want to wait for approval from the federal government to experiment with a single payer plan. In fact, the residents of Lincoln County CANNOT wait, and John Baldacci's plan provides the comprehensive health coverage we ALL need.

I hope you will join me on November 5 and VOTE for Maine's improved health care by saying YES to John Baldacci for Governor!

Holly Stover Reed

Boothbay

Stepping Up Dear Editor:

There is a new high-spirited Maine team who are stepping up to the plate. They have a recognizable name, however some of the members are new to the team.

This new team has their eye on the sphere of hope, wonder and challenge. They want to strike out poverty of pocket and spirit. They are ready to stand at bat and win.

The bases are loaded, with Les Fossel (for Senate dist. 16) on first base, for affordable health care.

On second base is Steve Joyce (for Congress), with his eagerness to serve the Maine people.

Third base we have Susan Collins (Senator), a champion of small business.

Third base coach is Ken Honey (Representative) with much experience and great ability to be a liaison for the team and their owners.

At home plate is Peter Cianchette (for Governor). He is a young bright Maine family man, with extensive small and large business experience. He is staring the pitcher in the eye and waiting for his moment to strike.

Finally the ball comes as a fast wild pitch, Peter's eyes focused on the task at hand, he swings, the bat cracks with a loud and familiar sound, the sphere leaves the ball field, it's a grand slam.

The crowd is wild; it's their home team. Their team has been waiting for this opportunity for a long time; this grand slam is just what their team needed.

The victory allows the newly formed Republican team to dream again, to plan and grow again, to make a better home for the Republicans and all of the other teams.

The coaches of this new team are Aspiration, and his brother Inspiration; they will lead these players on to other visions and victories for the ENTIRE League.

Let's wave our banners and play ball!!!

Diane Randlett

Southport

Support Business Dear Editor:

Given that economic development is imperative for Wiscasset's future, and that my opponent, Peter Rines, was on record in several newspapers as saying that a change of government (to the town manager form) might interfere with the development of Maine Yankee ("Lincoln County Weekly"-November 2001), this is a good time to see how some of the people intimately involved with the proposed "Project Neptune" rate Mr. Rines on business issues.

The Maine Economic Research Institute (MERI) ranks legislators on how they vote on issues important to Maine businesses. To check the ratings of legislators, and candidates for the legislature, go to the following Web site: www.me-ri.org

On this site, you will see that our long-standing local legislator, Marge Kilkelly, falls under the category of "Frequent Support," while Mr. Rines falls under "Weak." The rankings for incumbent legislators are based on two years worth of votes.

Who are some of the people with MERI who do these rankings? Charles Hewitt, of Cianbro, is Governor King's former Chief of Staff. He is also a key figure in Project Neptune, the proposed underwater transmission cables, which could bring tax revenue to Wiscasset sometime after 2005. Peter Vigue is the President of Cianbro. Dana Connors is the Chairman of the Maine Chamber of Commerce. Charles Wilson is with Hannaford Brothers, which is considering locating a supermarket in this area.

When you go to the polls on November 5, please consider actual voting records in Augusta. Without strong state support for a better business climate in Maine, the task of bringing businesses to Wiscasset to help out with high property taxes is going to be that much more difficult.

Karl Tarbox

Wiscasset

Candidate in House District 57

Bradford For Sheriff Dear Editor:

With great interest I have been watching the political race for Lincoln County Sheriff between the two candidates, Lincoln County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Major Daniel Bradford and Damariscotta Police Chief Todd Brackett.

I have seen signs, lots of signs, suggesting that Police Chief Brackett has been active in this and that area;I know personally that Chief Deputy Major Bradford has been working equally overtime.While I have seen Deputy Bradford at many evening, and some daytime, political events, I rest assured thathe is hard at work for the County atnot only the County Jail facility, buttending to many other Departmentalissues within the jurisdiction of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department. In fact, it is because he tends to business, is dedicated to Lincoln County, and specifically the safety of its residents, thatfacilitating the Youth Promise Program recently held in Damariscotta could happen.Chief Deputy Major Bradford has been frugal and efficient in the management of the Department, promoting it to the level of excellence it is today. In addition, Chief Deputy Major Bradfordhas gained the unique experience of negotiation with our County Commissionersover the plans that are now on the drawing board for theour newjail facility.He has had many years of experience under our current Sheriff William Carter and has been endorsed by Sheriff Carter. Your vote will bein your best interest, and in the best interest of the County,if you vote for Dan Bradford for Sheriff.

Leonard Ellis

Wiscasset

A Vote For One Currency Dear Editor:

One of the hidden costs of the so-called "War on Terrorism" and the Bush administration's rush campaign against Saddam Hussein is that we are distracted from the really important long term issues facing humanity. Species become extinct, the earth warms and the environment deteriorates, but these issues are not so dramatic as war and weapons of mass destruction. It's hard to win elections on those issues.

Somewhere in between those two poles is a goal, which, if reached, can dramatically improve the lives of everyone on the earth:a single currency. That's right, a single currency. Actually, for the U.S. it's not so revolutionary a goal, as we transitioned from a 13 currency system to a single currency after the Revolution.

This time, Europe has led the way with the Euro. One currency now exists where before there were many. When traveling from Germany to France to Italy, there are now no money changers and no associated changing costs and no time spent translating from an unfamiliar currency into one's home currency. Also, but less visible, there are no currency exchanges, and their speculators, for Francs or Marks or Lira; and the rate of inflation is the same for all the Euro countries. Soon, more European countries will be added.

The logical next step, but not on the Washington radar screen, is a world currency. Let's call the basic unit a "mundo," or "eartha," or whatever name we can choose from a worldwide contest. No more Canadian dollars, nor Mexican pesos, nor U.S. Dollars, just one currency.

All this requires fiscal discipline in each participating country, but the rewards would be great for their citizens.

As a single currency would require a truly multi-national effort, it's natural for the Democrats to carry the torch forward. If the Republicans want to abandon their unilateral boat, welcome aboard.

Let's move to a single world currency by the year 2010.

Morrison Bonpasse

Newcastle

Democratic Candidate for the

House 58th District

Vote For Straight Talk, Hard Work Dear Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to endorse Karl Tarbox for State Representative from district 57.

Karl has demonstrated many times that he will speak his mind and will stand up in public for what he believes in. He tells it as it is and has the staying power to make sure he is heard even in adversarial situations.

I know from personal experience that Karl does a lot of homework on the issues before taking a stand. I believe Karl will take the time to listen to our views and go represent us effectively. He has certainly shown us over the past few years that he can be very "persistent".

If you want a straight talking, hard working, persistent person representing you in Augusta, Karl Tarbox is your man.

Thanks for taking the time to vote.

Dick Grondin

Wiscasset

County Needs Brackett's Leadership Dear Editor:

I am writing in support of Todd Brackett for Lincoln County Sheriff. As the project director for the local Healthy Maine Partnership, I have had many occasions to work with Chief Brackett. I have always found him to be a dedicated, innovative and community-minded professional law enforcement officer.

Chief Brackett and the Damariscotta Police Department took the lead in helping our TLC Coalition develop and implement a Smokeless Saturdays program for underage smokers. This program will serve both as a deterrent and as a viable educational alternative to a court appearance and fine.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Department can only profit from Chief Brackett's leadership as an action-oriented person who knows how to get a job done well. He will bring both new programs and new vigor to the job.

Willard A. Monsell

Damariscotta

Impressed With Todd Brackett Dear Editor:

On Monday, October 7, my wife and I attended a fund-raising dinner for Todd Brackett, candidate for Sheriff of Lincoln County. We had met Todd several times. The first was at a church supper to raise funds for the Eldercare Network. Todd attended, met people and listened to them. I was impressed. We met him again at a fund-raiser for Chris Hall. Once again I was impressed with his ability to listen to the concerns of the people he talked with. At his own fund-raiser he was asked how he would approach being Sheriff. He spoke of the need to know the communities he served. He stated that "Being Sheriff is more than throwing a policeman at a problem.'' That summarized for me what I had observed on the two previous occasions. Todd Brackett really was trying to learn about the communities for which he will be the chief law enforcement officer.

On the occasions when I saw Todd listening to and learning from the citizens of Lincoln County there have been family members with him. It is obvious that they believe in him and respect him. Talk to his friends and supporters and the people who have been helped by him. They believe in what he stands for and respect him. After learning his philosophy of law enforcement, I believe in him and respect him.

On election day my vote will be enthusiastically cast for Todd Brackett for Sheriff of Lincoln County.

Bob Hardina

Bristol