Support for Jane Rich

To The Editor:

During this election cycle, we have seen more money spent on negative ads by out of state pacs and the national party offices than ever before, which is destroying our democratic process and closing the avenue of public service to many who can't afford to run for elective office.

Previously, in Maine, you took out your papers for an elected position and ran on your reputation. Money wasn't much of a factor. Now one is required to put up road signs, print palm cards, and buy huge amounts of advertising in publications. All this is suppose to secure your election to the office which you seek.

During the past ten months, I've asked this question of people over and over again: Did a road sign ever influence you to vote for someone? The answer generally is no with the add on of "I hate those things." So why do the parties and our elected people think this is the way to win votes? I don't have an answer to that question. Just think what it would do for our country if all this money spent on the election process went toward reducing the national debt, or to feeding the hungry, or to solving the mysteries of cancer and other diseases.

It will never change unless ordinary people ask for change instead of just putting up with the situation. Money is the political system is the reason I pledged myself to run a campaign for $600 and therefore the people of County Commissioner District 2 will not see any road signs for me or find printed materials in their mail box. I'm running on my reputation as Register of Deeds-East for 20 years.

For your vote, you will get a dedicated, committed and experienced public servant who will endeavor to keep the county budget at a level that does not impact your local property taxes. Help me to prove it's possible to be elected without a big war chest.

Elect Jane C. Rich your next County Commissioner from District 2.

Jane C. Rich,

Andover