As an observer of recent debates and advertising supporting gubernatorial candidates, I can’t help but be impressed with their willingness to commit time and energy to public service. It says a lot for Maine that we can field such a strong set of candidates.

I have also found it more and more essential to look for answers that carry long-term benefits and that reflect the nature and the heart of values that have worked here in Maine in the past. I have been impressed with the way Steve Rowe has been able to look toward the future in multiple ways; most crucial for me is that Steve has spoken repeatedly about children, especially those who may not have an advocate in early years. He is right on target when he points to the growth of children today as an indicator of later society.

We can take pride in level-headedness here in Maine, and we can take pride in those individuals in Maine who have made their ways to national prominence by virtue of that level-headedness. Steve seems to carry a graceful combination of good listening skills (probably arising from his active presence in raising his own children) with a capacity to act (honed by his Army training). It is clear he keeps a precise view of a topic at hand (as a former attorney general, perhaps) but also how polite, capable reflection must characterize our most prominent public servant.

John W. Hoy
Freeport


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