To the Editor:

I support Les Otten for governor. Let me explain why.

Often, all too often, the really riveting stories; the ones that get people talking and keeps people talking are the ones that ultimately involve a tragedy or hardship of some kind for someone. Whether it’s a fatal accident, a significant fire, or a murder, it titillates and amazes.

It warms my heart that in today’s world so many great people have come together in a community to help us out. It started April 13 when a 10-year-old boy (Dakota) was burned in a flash fire.

First I would like to address the constant abuse you have put on me as a volunteer fire fighter. I have been a volunteer since high school, started at age 16, leaving the department briefly to move to Texas. Volunteers protect and rescue the public on a daily basis. They receive very little monetarily but enjoy helping others.

Until Dakota Boutte was seriously burned three weeks ago, it’s likely few people outside his circle of friends and family in Jefferson knew who he was.

It’s a bit sad to see it go, but the decision to ban the practice of throwing candy during the Damariscotta Memorial Day parade is probably a good one, although less so we think, than for the reasons of cavity fighting or safety.

I want to urge all Bristol voters to turn out June 8 and vote down the school budget.

Can we afford to pay the state of Maine the new tax on auto repair labor? That could happen, along with 100 other petty things, like even a clown for the kids party. With mechanic labor rate at $70 to $95 and auto body and paint at $44 for each hour, that’s quite a chunk of change you will be paying the state.

The Damariscotta-Newcastle Lions’ Club is very lucky to have Charlie Pichette as one of its members. In his years as a member of the club, Charlie has served with distinction and great dedication in helping his club and the surrounding communities with his untiring effort in performing many kind and humanitarian acts, especially the building of wheelchair ramps and for many deserving and disabled citizens in the area.

It is interesting that last week Max Arnold’s letter was calling for “new blood” in Augusta. He then endorses a member of the party that has controlled Augusta and Maine for four decades for State Representative.

Having read Max Arnold’s letter to the editor in last week’s paper, I would strongly recommend he re-read the tax reform bill. There are many, many new taxes on the way. Sales tax on plumbing repairs, car repairs, movie tickets, bowling games and on and on.

It is good to see the Bristol Board of Selectmen were willing to reconsider a blanket policy they previously adopted, closing the town’s fire stations to any group other than the local fire department.

I have spent the better part of my life living in Midcoast Maine. Personal circumstances necessitated a couple of relocations to other parts of the US, but I always knew I would end up back here in Lincoln County. I became disabled (lung cancer) nearly five years ago and moved back for good in the fall of 2005.

Damariscotta region can breath easy…the Fisherman’s Catch on Main St. Damariscotta has been sold.

The new owner will be opening the doors soon to provide the town with fresh seafood once again. The new owner will also accept your Fisherman’s Catch gift certificates.