In just a few months, newly elected state and federal leaders will take office. Research just completed by AARP – the largest non-profit, non-partisan social membership organization both in Maine and in the U.S. – has confirmed that especially for older Mainers, the next two years will be hugely important to their future.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Sue Mackey Andrews for eight years. As a supporter of early childhood education and care, I have served on the Maine Children’s Growth Council with her and she has been extremely helpful in my organization’s work to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

Mr. (Bruce) Dostie, good morning from the shores of beautiful Moosehead Lake as dawn is piercing the night sky, the sun is looming on the horizon ready to enhance the beauty of America’s Crown Jewel. On behalf of the community of Greenville and the Moosehead Lake region, I would like to welcome you to the Greenville school system, Union 60. A pleasure and honor to have you as our principal.

I am endorsing Sue Mackey Andrews for District 4 State Senator. It’s time we all vote wisely and vote for the person who can do the most for this state.

Matthew Gagnon raised an important question in his recent column, “We shouldn’t cheer those secret recordings.” Based on Omarosa Manigault Newman’s recordings, especially those done against standing security protocols in the White House Situation room, Gagnon asked, “is that the world we really want to live in?”

It is important to know where candidates running for U.S. Congress stand on keeping Social Security strong for current and future retirees.

“Where are the jobs?,” asked the young man that answered the first door I knocked on for Sue Mackey Andrews, D-Dover-Foxcroft running for Maine Senate District 4.

Recent studies have show that Lyme disease -- a tick-borne illness with debilitating consequences -- is on the rise. If left untreated, this disease can cause arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling.

I volunteered to join Sue Mackey Andrews, Senate District 4 Democratic candidate, going house to house talking with residents in Piscataquis County. I was so moved by the number of people who needed to work two jobs just to keep up with healthcare and medication expenses

Jason Brochu’s opinion piece about how tariffs on imported lumber will offset the present advantage Canadian producers enjoy from Ottawa’s subsidies does not mention the fact that Maine taxpayers have subsidized many businesses here, including Brochu’s company, through tax incentive programs, such as the Pine Tree Development Zone and Employee Tax Increment Financing.

The Maine Interior Design Association is disappointed that Matthew Gagnon did not take the time to properly research his recent column in which he decries the licensing of our profession. An easy place to start is on our website (midamaine.org) where anyone can learn what the title Maine Certified Interior Designer means.

The Trump administration's recent freeze of payments to insurers with sicker customers is another swipe at Obamacare. According to American Health Insurance, this freeze will cause escalating healthcare costs especially to those who need it the most. Ever since failing to totally repeal Obamacare, the Trump administration along with Republicans have taken steps to make it increasingly difficult for the Affordable Care Act to function and to be affordable.

State Senate District 4 candidate Sue Mackey Andrews has visited my community, and has invited me to participate in door to door visits in a number of towns. Citizens have raised many concerns during these events, and in each case, Sue has been an active and empathetic listener.

For over half a century, Americans have paid into the Medicare system with the expectation that they will have access to healthcare in retirement. For those 65-plus, Medicare provides more affordable health coverage where private insurance would cost seniors out of the market.

I strongly support Sue Mackey Andrews for Maine Senate District 4. I've known and worked with Sue for over 20 years. Her commitment and passion on behalf of families in Piscataquis, Somerset and Penobscot counties are well established.

Don't let Rep. Bruce Poliquin buy his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is sitting on about $3 million that he intends to use to do just that. He has been a poor representative for the people of Maine, showing time and time again that he is a party creature with little or no interest in you and me and the problems we face in Maine.

As Americans, we have the resources and compassion to rise to this crisis for our fellow human beings. Learn more about the refugees at our Mexican border and how we can help by attending Keeping Families Together at the Thompson Free Library from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 5 in Dover-Foxcroft.

Before I moved to Sangerville 44 years ago. I worked as a custodian in a K-6 grade school and then I went and worked in a 7-8 grade school. In both schools I saw some very sad and depressed students. The younger children did not understand why their mother or father was not coming home anymore and the older boys and girls became very angry and some needed anger management. Children are the biggest losers. Very sad.