In a book of collected letters, written by former President Herbert Hoover to American children, I was impressed with one letter to a kid who had written to the President of the United States with a question about how government can best help U.S. citizens.

Recently, I had dinner with three very informed, intelligent, politically savvy friends, all of whom -- just for the record -- happen to be Democrats. Naturally the conversation drifted toward Election Day, and the same question that I have been asked thousands of times this year, and thousands of times in each of the preceding election years, was again asked of me.

The knock on Janet Mills has never been that she’s soft on crime. In fact, during the Democratic primary, I would say that her law and order credentials were a sticking point for some of the more liberal members of the party. And they were considered a strength in the general election.

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).

Gary Chester, starting in the 1960s, was a top New York studio drummer. One of a special breed of musicians who music producers and artists counted on to make hit records. Mostly these musicians worked inside recording studios in places like New York City, Los Angeles, Muscle Shoals, and New Orleans.

Unless you were completely oblivious, you saw what happened with political polling in the 2016 election. In a word, it was an unmitigated disaster.

With Election Day less than two weeks away, we have to talk about ranked-choice voting. When Maine voters walk into the voting booth — or fill out their absentee ballots — they will have a chance to rank the candidates running for U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.

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.

At first, I wasn’t sure what I was seeing. I almost dismissed it as old construction equipment left outdoors, at the side of the walkway leading to the Administration Building at Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, just south of Daytona Beach, FL.

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.

"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.