As I travel around my community I see many candidates’ signs championing “Common Sense” and “Independent Voice.” These are important attributes for all of us, but they are not sufficient skills for this time of great need in our region and in our beloved state of Maine. Senate District 4 and House Districts 119 and 120 hover on the edge of a promising future, one that that embraces clean, renewable energy, healthcare access for all, vibrant downtowns, and schools that challenge and support all of our children.

Sooner or later in our lives, most of us contemplate our own mortality.

Many times we are asked “what does the American Legion do?,” “why should I belong?,” and “what’s in it for me?” These questions hang out there because we do a poor job to telling our story. To answer the first question, the American Legion is the largest veterans service organization in the United States standing on four pillars of service -- veterans affairs & rehabilitation, national security, Americanism, and children & youth.

"We’re nearly one month away from the most important election of our lifetime." So said Democratic candidate for governor Janet Mills, via email, on Oct. 1.

A bit by happenstance, I had the chance recently to spend about 15 minutes chatting with each of the four candidates for governor. I like them all and enjoyed the conversations. But that doesn’t change the fact that I think Attorney General Janet Mills is the best option.

GREENVILLE — The town of Greenville is looking for a new town manager after the two-year contract with Jesse Crandall was not renewed.

Dexter Regional High School recently held its Homecoming Week, and at the annual Homecoming Dance on Oct. 6 the following students were crowned as the Homecoming Court.

I have worked with Norm Higgins several times over the last few years in his role as a state legislator. Rep. Higgins has assisted our company and the entire forest products industry many times through his work on the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee. He is a strong advocate for our industry and a strong voice on this very important committee.

The employees of Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union recently made a donation to the Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society. The organization was chosen as a recipient of the credit union’s Caring for Community fundraiser, as employees from all branches pay $3 each to dress casual twice a month.

A Maine Land Conservation Task Force has formed to review the accomplishments and challenges of land conservation during the 30 years since the creation of the Land for Maine’s Future Program, and to lay groundwork for the future. One question the task force will consider: Has Maine already conserved enough land?