Letters to the Editor

Readers sound off on candidates

Settling the rumors

To the Editor:
    Some time ago, an acquaintance of mine approached me and asked, “How are you feeling?”A little taken aback, I inquired, “How am I supposed to feel?” To which this person stated a rumor was circulating that I had Parkinson’s disease and that the disease was slowly progressing.

    Shocked simply doesn’t describe how I felt hearing this. I have never had Parkinson’s disease and my heart goes out to people with any disabling disorder; people can really be cruel at times.
    The second “rumor” is, if I’m fortunate enough to be re-elected for Sheriff of Piscataquis County for my last four years, that I’m only going to work one or two years and get done and hand the reins over to my Chief Deputy, “therefore choosing my own successor.”
    Sorry, folks, it doesn’t and should not happen that way. If I retire or the good Lord calls me home or elsewhere, the Governor of Maine will call for a “special election” and fill the sheriff vacancy.
    I sincerely hope this information will clear up the rumor mill. I truly look forward to serving all of our people in this beautiful county we call home.

Sheriff John J. Goggin
Piscataquis County

‘Dad’ should be reelected

To the Editor:
    For the first time in 20 years the voters of Piscataquis County will have a choice in whom they elect for Sheriff. As the children of John Goggin we feel it is important to share with the voting public a more personal side of the man we call “Dad.”
    In 1967 our parents, eighth-grade sweethearts, married. Three children later, with a degree in nursing and a graduation from the FBI, our parents entered their public service careers. As young children, our parents instilled in us a strong work ethic and a compassion for others.
    We have spent our entire lives watching and learning from our father’s compassion, not only for his friends and family, but also for those he has served. He is one of the few people we know who has a heart large enough to include not only his extensive family, but to encompass the entire community. Whether providing a well-timed intervention with an at-risk youth or “telling it like it is” to someone who has made a mistake, we have always known that our father truly cares about the people of Piscataquis County. Over the years we have been amazed by the number of people that have shared stories of their not-so-proud moments in which our father made a positive lasting difference in their lives.
    Throughout his 24 years as sheriff, our father has assembled a team of professionals that serve this great county with distinction. That dedicated team wholeheartedly supports his re-election. We ask for the public to join us in supporting our father, John Goggin, so he may continue to not only enforce the law but also continue to make a difference in peoples’ lives.

Jason Goggin
Tanya (Goggin) Goodwin
Nicole (Goggin) Mahan

Why I’m for Poliquin

To the Editor:
    As a state legislator for seven years I know both Emily Cain and Bruce Poliquin very well. I watched their performance carefully in Maine government and as candidates. In my view Bruce Poliquin is clearly the right candidate to serve as the congressman from Maine’s second district.
    His performance as State Treasurer was spectacular. Bruce’s leadership in directing competition for the purchase of state bonds saved our state hundreds of thousands of dollars. His analysis of the waste and his subsequent actions to correct the problems in the State Housing Office and the Maine Turnpike Authority proved to me his commitment to sound frugal government that focuses on the welfare of Maine citizens.
    Bruce Poliquin is smart, honest and motivated to apply his vast management talent for the good of all our citizens. His logo of “more jobs — less debt” will come true as he applies his prodigious capabilities to our significant challenges.

Rep. Pete Johnson
District 27
Greenville

Poliquin has proven himself

To the Editor:
    Bruce Poliquin has succeeded, not just in the private sector, but as Maine’s State treasurer in 2011- 12. Bruce helped clean up the Maine Turnpike Commission and the Maine Housing Authority.
    Emily Cain has very little, if any, private sector experience and I question if she ever took a course in economics. She believes taxes are good and oil energy is bad. Emily also believes in taxes for carbon credits, which would raise the cost of our electricity.
    I have spent time with Bruce Poliquin on several occasions and I know he would be one of the most energetic and thoughtful members of Congress.

Gail Lynch
Sebec