Mitchell takes ‘The County’ seriously
To the editor:
There is something that all Mainers tend to recognize from time to time, and that is the fact that there are “Two Maines.” The difference between folks in Aroostook and people in the rest of the state is that we know which one is better. Life here offers so many advantages. From the places we live and play to the natural resources available to us, life in Aroostook is incredibly fulfilling. Unfortunately life in Aroostook can often be more difficult as we find ourselves at some significant economic disadvantages. I feel that this sometimes comes as a result of this idea of “Two Maines” and that Aroostook County is often not taken seriously. Finally there is someone taking us seriously.
Under Libby Mitchell’s guidance the Maine Senate has taken up some incredibly important issues for Aroostook County. We all know that our logging industry suffers from the influence of foreign interests in our market. As a result of foreign interests in northern Maine logging we see more and more of our industry dollars going out of the state (and the country) and more and more hard working Mainers becoming unemployed. With Libby’s direction a bill has been passed to create a level playing field and levy serious penalties against companies that violate foreign labor laws. This bill also places higher fines and prohibitions on hiring foreign labor.
Libby also championed the bond package that will save Aroostook’s railroad system and subsequently save many, many jobs in Aroostook County. Many of our own legislators didn’t fight as hard for us as Libby did (and some of them fought against us).
Most importantly as far as I am concerned, is that Libby genuinely cares about what Aroostook County citizens have to say. As a legislative candidate I understand the importance of really listening to the people you represent. For far too long our leaders have only listened to the folks from Bangor-south. This week Libby will be making her second trip to the county in the last few months to hear what Aroostook County citizens want and need from their governor. Based on her record of protecting Aroostook interests as the President of Maine’s Senate I would say that we are all going to be better off for it.
When the polls open on June 8th I think the best thing we can do to ensure that Aroostook County life continues to be seen as the true way life in Maine should be is vote for Libby Mitchell as the next governor of the state of Maine.
Mapleton
