Dedication to the People of Maine
In an editorial published by the Portland Press Herald on the 17th of November 1994 the paper's editorial staff discussed the opportunities and challenges that faced the newly elected Angus King.
announcing her
candidacy
They spoke of the similarities to James Longley, another Governor, elected in an upset victory just 20 years before. The editorial recalled a time of distrust of elected officials and the desire of voters to walk away from the usual fare offered by the major parties.
There was Watergate, and voters were confronted by the corruption of their elected officials and the possibilities of indictments of the highest officers in the land. Meanwhile, in their own houses, their paychecks were pinched by inflation, low wages, and a disastrous oil crisis. To the mind of Maine's newest elected governor, it was the electorate's inability to trust its leadership that gave his campaign legs. Jim Longley himself stated in 1974 that the, "credibility of politicians was definitely an issue in this campaign."
"The people are sick to death of wasting their tax dollars, not to mention their hopes and dreams, on a government that doesn't serve them." |
Welcome to today. Just as was the case in 1974, some of our national leaders are under indictment, leaving a nasty taste in the mouths of those who really just need an effective and compassionate government. The people are sick to death of wasting their tax dollars, not to mention their hopes and dreams, on a government that doesn't serve them.
"Jobs, healthcare, tax reform and education are still the major issues facing our state. . . Now Mainers, once again, have a choice." |
Just before he took office, governor King was asked what it meant that the Maine legislature was so evenly divided, as it is again today, between the two major parties. He alluded to the fact that the people of the state when given only two options, chose pretty evenly between the two. He said that what they really wanted was something in between. We have since seen, and King especially bears this out, that when give another option, the state chooses that option overwhelmingly.
once again,
have a choice
Jobs, healthcare, tax reform and education are still the major issues facing our state. Voters need a choice, and today, with the support of so many other devoted individuals, I signed the paperwork at the ethics commission declaring my intent to run for governor of Maine. Now Mainers, once again, have a choice.
As those of you who are journalists know, by writing stories, broadcasting live accounts, and immersing yourselves in the community, you see more about the lives and realities of those around you than you ever could by reading those same articles, hearing those same reports.
For example, when I was in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina and during Hurricane Rita broadcasting and writing for publication back home, the first thing I noticed that no report could relate was the insufferable heat. Feeling that heat for myself permanently transformed my opinion of being stranded on a rooftop or bridge.
"Our leaders have lost knowledge of the issues that they decide. . . |
Our leaders have lost knowledge of the issues that they decide.
When did they last apply for the permits to open a small business — and write the checks to pay the fees? When did they last choose between health insurance and groceries? When did they last look for a job?
How long ago did they consider what life choices they would have if they couldn't afford an education?
And when did they last realize the choice made between taking a good paying job or living near the family and in the state that they love?
Our leaders learn about our lives from our news accounts and from lobbyists.
That's not leading, that's following.
We need a new kind of leader. And we need it now.
It's funny to use the word new — a new leader. You may know that I'm an historian. And so many of the leaders I long for do exist — but in the past.
I have one final quotation from a Senator, from Maine, who understood the human condition and had the courage to challenge those who would manipulate it — trying to disguise that manipulation as leadership.
That woman is of course, Margaret Chase Smith:
"My creed is that public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation with full recognition that every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration."
I'm excited to offer Maine a Gubernatorial candidate who will execute her words.
