To the editor:
I recently received a phone call from a gentleman who asked a very good question, “How are you any different from the last few politicians?” A fair question, especially when you consider the popularity of Congress and the failure of our own state government down in Augusta. I know that this gentleman is not alone in his concern, as I and many others I have spoken to have similar concerns about the condition of our government. This is one of the many reasons why I am running for office, I am just as angry and frustrated as most people over the new low our government seems to have sunk to. I am not a complacent person, so I cannot sit idly by and watch arrogant politicians let partisanship stop anything from moving forward. I want to get elected to shake things up and to wake legislators out of their complacency, even within my own party. I know I will need to build relationships with both sides of the aisle to bridge the partisan gridlock, and it will only by doing so we’ll find common sense solutions that all sides can agree on. If I accomplish nothing else so be it, for I believe if I can make even a mild stir in the stagnant waters of Augusta it can only have a profoundly positive effect.
I have no illusions about what awaits me in Augusta. I certainly understand people’s skepticism, as there is good reason why we all feel the way we do about most politicians. This will take hard work and is something I am dedicated to, as like many of you I am also sick and tired of the political games. I believe that the problems that plague Maine are all interconnected, and in order to tackle and solve one you have to address the larger issues that affect everyone. I will work to address these issues even if it means I have to spend 90% of my time in Augusta banging my head into a wall (for which I have my own helmet). I want my friends to feel they can be prosperous here in The County, instead of having to seek better paying jobs downstate or worse yet leave the state. I know that if we can overcome those issues then everyone will be better off for it. I am aware this won’t happen overnight and will require a lot of effort, but I know I have the energy, stubbornness, and patience to keep at the job until it is done.
This is my pledge, and if I ever deviate from it I don’t just ask, but demand that you vote me out of office. Ironically, this is something I know isn’t be a problem for voters of the district; for, if elected, you, the voters, will have unseated two incumbents in a row. It sends a clear message that you demand action and will not tolerate your representative simply being a benchwarmer at the State House. If I go to Augusta and forget why I went there it will mean I will have failed myself, my family, you the people I swore to represent, and worse yet my friends who put their faith in me to fight for them. At that point I would want to be to be fired. This is how deeply committed I am to working and serving you, my state, and my community. “Service above self,” are not just words to me but a philosophy I live by. I feel the greatest service I can do is to serve in public office, and put my energy and efforts into trying to make a difference where it seems most others won’t. I believe our state government in Augusta currently fits the bill. I want to fight for those things that we all want, and to work to achieve those things not just for my friends and family, but for you and all of us here in The County so that we can all benefit.
I believe our country and our state are at a very serious crossroads, and that it will take dedicated people willing to make sacrifices to fight to change it. I hope through my efforts I can inspire other young Mainers to take an interest government, and to get involved in other worthwhile endeavors in the service of their community. This is what I believe, how strongly I feel, and what will drive me to work for us in Augusta. If you believe what I believe, or think just maybe I’m heading in the right direction than I ask for your vote on November 4th. I’m Zachary Smith running for the legislature in District 7 (Includes: Part of Presque Isle, Wade, Washburn, Mapleton, Castlehill, Chapman, Monticello, Littleton, Hammond, Masardis, Oxbow, and E. Plt. www.ZacharyEarlSmith.com
Presque Isle
