There has been some discussion lately about the ongoing process of Mayo Regional Hospital’s plan to enter into a new agreement with Northern Light Health (formerly EMHS or Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems). We wanted to take the opportunity to provide an update and further clarification, because we understand as the region’s healthcare provider and largest employer, our future affects many, if not all, members of the community.

Mayo Regional Hospital executives seems to be misrepresenting the activity concerning the soon to come name change of Mayo Regional Hospital and HAD #4 (Hospital Administrative District #4) soon to take place.

We Maine voters have our very own Bernie Sanders to elect for U.S. Senator in Zak Ringelstein. The very best news about voting for such a candidate to high office is that we citizens of Maine now have Ranked Choice Voting for our U.S. Congressional and U.S. Senate seats. Therefore, we have the pleasure of very effectively voting to rank Zak first, Angus King second (suggestion: you may choose to not rank Eric Brakey at all).

I am writing in support of Tyler Adkins for House District 119. Tyler is an independent candidate. He recognizes that there needs to be a voice in Augusta to help bridge the divided political factions, to work together to improve the economy of this region.

We write today in support of Tyler Adkins for House District 119. As young people who were either Tyler’s students, or students while he was teaching at Foxcroft Academy, we support his forward thinking and desire to make Piscataquis County a place where young people can find opportunity and make a life for themselves. His focus on broadband connectivity and workforce training are two essential items that will make a significant impact.

I have known Bruce Poliquin for over a decade. He is hard working, extremely capable, and works well with all sides for the good of Maine people. Bruce was state treasurer while I was in the Maine Legislature.

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.