Asking the right questions

To the editor:
    That is what makes a good reporter, better. If they don't ask the questions as well as not go to the source of the story then they fail themselves and the readers. Prior to the Houlton Pioneer Times issues of June 11th and the 18th, I was never asked about my present campaign for the upcoming Legislature in November nor how would I appear on the ballot in November. Details that I had given two years ago were also omitted in my case. I was not on the primary ballot, yet it appears I was, with no ballots cast, according to the June 18 paper.
    I would like to give you the correct information; the reasons for running, bio and family as well as how issues change and their importance affects us all.
    I've been married for over 24 years to my wonderful wife Vesta 25 years this November 12th. Vesta is my Guide-on and tries to keep me on the straight and narrow. Vesta and I have been involved in non-public ways of helping people or groups and enjoy helping our fellow man. We have two sons. Our oldest Stas' has two degrees (achieving several honors) from Northern Maine Community College. He was a Resident Assistant, seven out of eight semesters, now a Resident Director. At the 2008 Seniors Dinner, Stas' accepted the position as Intern to the Instructor in one class as well as remaining a student and has a full-time job.
    Our second son Kirk attended the Onward Program at UMO and is in his third year of a 5-year enrollment. Many know Kirk for his prompt and professional delivery of newspapers over four years, during breaks and the summer Kirk works at the Temple Theater for the last three years. We take great pride in their accomplishments.
    I retired from the United States Navy with honor and numerous awards. Becoming a Navy SEAL was my dream since I was 3 and I watched the movie “Frogman” sitting next to my Daddy who earned the Army's Distinguished Service Cross in WW II in the Solomon Islands in 1943. I asked my Daddy to sign me up in 1969 so I could serve my country.
    I am a lifetime member of Fraternal Order UDT/SEALs, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Associate member of the Legion of Valor (in honor of my Daddy's award). I received a Navy Commendation Medal for saving the life of a pilot. I would have gladly traded it for another life I tried to save, which slipped between my fingers as I held his mortal wound.
    I believe all of our citizens are equal. My first piece of legislation would be fixed pricing of vehicle and heating fuels. Daily price changes would be prohibited, retailers could change their price on the day of delivery, not before; they could always lower them. Legislature and Senate members should not have Health Benefits while most of our citizens have none. We should be looking out for our citizens. We have too many social programs. Handouts do not work, but hand ups do, people feel good when they do something for themselves.
    Sales tax on new vehicles needs to be revamped. Discounts and rebates are over pricing made to appear as if they are giving you something back and you pay tax on it. Approved statewide used cars guide using options and mileage deductions.
    Consumer product and technical services need to be handled in America, not overseas, rebates must be instant. We have to allow business to come here because they want too not whether we like them or not. We need jobs so our children can stay here and have a family.
    I believe that with my military background and rank, the success of our family life, our families ability to find ways to help others without gratis, my present and prior experience on the Board of Budget Review, past Director Shiretown Development Corporation and my willingness and involvement in issues, popular or not and willingness to stand up and take the heat would be assets to representing District 8.
    You're the voter, pay attention to the issues that really mean something to all of us, the debates which I welcome and what we say with our names attached with authorization, not what others say for us with the caveat of "not solicited or endorsed by the candidate."
Stan Ginish
Independent candidate
Houlton