Tyler Adkins, a former student of mine, is a young man who grew up in Monson, attended Foxcroft Academy, left the state to attend college, and become an entrepreneur in alternative energy. He has returned because he values Piscataquis County and the way of life it could represent. But he recognizes the drawback.

There is a national trend for numbers, and it states that 30 percent of Mainers can’t pay their bills, let alone support a family. A single working adult has to make $31,284.00 to pay their expenses. Maine numbers follow a national trend that 33 percent of working men ages 19 to 64 are economically insecure.

We’ve heard a lot about expanding Mainecare lately. I hope everyone understand this proposal gives free health insurance to adults without children who are able to work. None of this money goes to anyone who is disabled or 65 and older. The higher taxes to pay for this will show up in taxes you never expected, and could very easily raise your property taxes.

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.

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.

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?

I recommend Paul Davis for the Maine Senate. Maine is in the top five states in America for the highest taxes per capita. Paul is responsibly conscious of this fact. He only voted for MaineCare expansion when it showed it could be paid for.

I support Sue Mackey Andrews for the District 4 Senate seat based on my work with Sue, as a professional and as an advocate for young children and families. When I was executive director of Woodfords Family Services, provider of services for children and adults with developmental disabilities, early intervention work with young special needs children were provided. I knew Sue then as an incredible advocating professional in Augusta insuring support for our programs with the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services.

I have several friends who have moved from Maine to Florida as Maine is a state with high taxes. I will be voting this fall for Sen. Paul Davis for State Senate. Sen. Davis knows that for Maine to become more prosperous, we must make Maine more tax-friendly for businesses and individuals.

Channel 2's Oct. 8 2nd Congressional District Candidate Debate made one point perfectly clear. Will Hoar, Tiffany Bond, and Jared Golden understand what life for the middle and working classes is like in rural Maine. Bruce Poliquin seems to only understand how to use name calling and crowing about alleged successes for our welfare. Despite low unemployment statistics, residents I meet are still struggling due to insufficient salaries and wages.

I have had the privilege of working with Sue Mackey Andrews as a member of Helping Hands with Heart. I have seen first hand her commitment to families and children. She has worked tirelessly to bring awareness and education on topics that directly impact our area including poverty and childhood trauma.

In the upcoming elections, Maine will again make history by using Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives races. RCV is simply a runoff voting system for races with more than two candidates done through one efficient ballot. It is completely non-partisan, and it is one person, one ranked-choice vote. RCV further empowers voters and gives us winners who better reflect the will of the people.

I’d like to correct the record and assure every voter in Senate District 4 that I support ALL of the 26 Amendments to our Constitution, including the 2nd Amendment, our right to keep and bear arms. I have no interest in taking anyone else’s guns; we have our own. If you know me, you know that this is true.

I am writing in support of Sue Mackey Andrews for State Senate District 4. I am known to wear “many hats” in the community, but Sue has me beat by a long shot!

Last night Oct. 1, the residents and travelers on West Main Street and other locales were treated to a peaceful softly lit streetscape, stars could be seen, and a new ambience was created. It was relaxing and a nice way to end a day. What was different than the previous day? The new street lights were installed and ignited.

After great consideration I am supporting Jared Golden, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress.

For 45 years the federal Endangered Species Act has been the vehicle that has prevented scores of species of rare plants and animals from becoming extinct. At the same time, it has provided an opportunity for additional species struggling to maintain their numbers to not slip into the endangered category.

I have known Paul Davis for many years. I have worked with him in the law enforcement field during both of our careers. Paul is a fair and honest man and I am proud to call him my friend.