To the editor:
Every now and then I feel compelled to write a newspaper article reviewing the dynamics of the political atmosphere that exists in the Maine State Legislature, keeping in mind that I spent eight years as a state representative.
There are 151 representatives in the Maine State House and 35 senators in the Maine State Senate. Eight of these representatives and two senators represent northern Maine. These numbers are the results of population demographics and distribution of the people in Maine which, by the way, results in 143 representatives and 33 senators representing areas south of Aroostook County. This may sound lopsided but it seems to be justified when only population is considered.
Please allow me to review the situation that has recently developed that will demonstrate how the Republican leadership from southern Maine desires to be the determining factor in the northern Maine political process. In March of 2014 Rep. Ricky Long of Sherman announced his intention, while in Augusta, to seek the State Senate position for District 2. Rep. Long, once again, formally made his intentions known on Nov. 5, 2015 at an awards ceremony, which was, by the way, held in his honor at the State Street Advent Church in Presque Isle. Everyone at that time encouraged him to run.
However, when the Republican leadership, from southern Maine, became aware of Rep. Long’s intention to run for the Dist. 2 Senate seat, they were dissatisfied and immediately decided to seek a more “viable” candidate. They proceeded to drive to northern Maine, without announcing their intention to anyone, to find a person they considered more appropriate to run in a primary against Rep. Long.
I am asking that the people of Dist. 2, Presque Isle, Houlton and surrounding communities will demonstrate with determination and clarity that they will not be dictated to by persons who believe their wisdom is greater and more profound than we in northern Maine.
I am asking that the people of northern Maine keep in mind that whomever is selected would also be set aside if a more viable candidate came along in the eyes of the Republican leadership. The Republican Party should stand for more than that, like loyalty, ethics, and support of fellow Republicans.
Rep. Long served the people of Dist. 145 with loyalty, impeccable standards and conservative values; kept his word, kept his promises even in the most trying times. He could have made easier choices or taken the less controversial way out but he stood by his word.
Rep. Ricky Long was always considered the Abraham Lincoln of the Republican Caucus in Augusta. He promised his constituents that he would never vote for an unfunded mandate and he never did. He promised that he would vote for their best interests and he always did. Not one person in the Maine State House of Representatives, on both sides of the aisles, ever questioned his integrity, his character or his word.
Rep. Long’s common sense approach, his well grounded reasoning and his word were never questioned. He is a man of the people who has a deep understanding of the value of work, honesty and compassion for the day-to-day struggle of the northern Maine families of Aroostook County.
Now the Republican leadership in Augusta, in what they consider their divine wisdom, made an unannounced undercover trip to Aroostook County to chose someone they felt was more popular, more able to do their bidding and as they like to say “more elect-able.”
Keep in mind that they summarily dismissed Rep. Long’s six years of faithful service, his loyalty to his constituents and his unwavering dedication to the party. I served with Rep. Long for four years and I can say, without exception, that I never saw a Representative catch on so fast to the subtle workings and intricacies of state government. Should the people that Rep. Long now represents dismiss his service so lightly and choose someone that the Republican leadership in Augusta feels is more elect-able it would certainly be by poor judgement on their part.
I ask you to use your common sense and stand by a fellow worker who has so faithfully served you for six years. Rep. Long returned every phone call, pursued every avenue available to answer any questions and to solve any problem. Is it right to now to toss him aside for someone who is supposedly more popular, has more money or has more influence? Please consider what is more important to your interests, what is more important in keeping with your values and most importantly, what is the right thing to do.
It is important at this time to rally around Rep. Long and show that we are capable of determining our own future, including who will represent us. Let us resolve that we will not be bound by the chains of southern Maine leadership and their paternal condescension. Show your support and vote for Ricky Long for State Senate District 2!
