Dear Editor:

I write this letter to address a dire concern in our society. In Maine, during voting season, we see some bad blood between parties, and communities. We see our communities split. I am writing this letter as an educator.

First and foremost, we need to think about communities and how we want them to be represented. I don’t care about parties. I care about dignity, honor and kind words. This means having manners towards the people you work with. I hate traveling around the United States and having people ask where you are from. I say I’m from Maine, then they joke about Gov. Paul LePage’s Vaseline comment.

Second, finding compromise, even when you know you're right. Sometimes just putting the first foot forward and meeting someone where they're at, is the most powerful step in public policy (solving an issue or conflict).

An example: Maine’s lead on the environmental act in the ’60s with Edmund Muskie, as well as Sens. Snowe and Collins and their work on the woman's place in the workplace. These moments in time are important. Working together is more important then playing cat and mouse with one another.

Third, we need the younger crowed to go out and vote (18 to 30). It’s hard to vote nowadays when you're judged on the party you represent. This is wrong; we need to think about how we can best support our communities. Please stand together and learn together. We know it’s more important to make educated votes. If you have questions about a candidate, ask around your community and learn together.

Brian E. Mayhew
Boothbay Harbor