Letter to the Editor: Special Election Feb. 3

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I am running for state representative because I believe our current state budget crisis has been caused by poor short-term thinking and unrealistic planning. I believe what is required are long-term, sustainable solutions that represent our best hope for today and future years to come.

Having been born in Farmington, graduating from Mt. Blue High School and living and raising my children here, it goes without saying that I have concern for the current situation this region finds itself.

I have had the honor these last few years of talking with thousands of my fellow citizens at athletic events, at dinners on their lawns, in their living rooms and garages. I know the concerns they face within their own lives and what they expect from those who represent them.

The state of Maine, like the nation, is facing difficult times. We find ourselves with a budget shortfall of nearly half a billion dollars. With 35 other states facing even a greater shortfall, awaiting help from Washington will be a get-in-line affair. Any candidate promising grand plans for federal dollars is out of touch or making unrealistic promises they have no chance of keeping.

What a local representative does have, though, is say over and influence on, how wisely we budget our state resources, setting priorities and making hard decisions. This is what people expect from those whom they elect to represent them. They are tired of politics as usual they want results from those they know and trust. They expect the government to have to make the same sacrifices in troubled times they are forced to make within their own budgets every week of every month.

While I am far from perfect, I am ready to immediately step into the role of representative for District 89 (Farmington and Industry). With the current cuts taking place and those coming down the road, the decisions will not be easy for anyone, but I believe the voters understand there are no free lunches.

I am ready for the task at hand and would be honored if you would support my candidacy by voting in the special election on Feb. 3.

Thank you,
Lance Harvell
Farmington

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4 Comments

  1. In response to Lance Harvell’s “Letter to the Editor: Special Election Feb. 3,” I congratulate him on his being nominated to run as the republican candidate for the upcoming election.

    I can certainly agree, as Mr. Harvell suggests, that folks are tired of politics as usual and should certainly not trust any candidate making unrealistic promises.

    However, even if “the voters understand there are no free lunches” as he states, I am very curious how Mr. Harvell intends put some hope in the future. After all, Mr. Harvell has previously said that “one of the greatest things about having no money is that you can tell people no.” (as quoted in the Daily Bulldog, 11 DEC 2008)

    Just saying “no” to people or “no” to the possibility of seeking federal stimulus money makes for easy commentary, but doesn’t generate any positive suggestions to the problems at hand. We need creative solutions coupled with fiscal responsibility to get out of our current economic mess. I think we would all agree that we definitely need more of a strategy than simply burying our heads in the sand and saying no.

    I am not a professional politician and although Mr. Harvell has run for office several times I understand that he too is not a professional politician. For the voters, this is likely a good thing. All too often politics as usual is peppered with negativity. As for me, I’m hopeful that Mr. Harvell will rely less on the word “no” and instead provide the voters with some more positive solutions.

    Dennis Haszko
    Candidate for Democratic Nomination
    http://www.haszko.com

  2. I agree with the sentiments expressed by Lance Harvell and his approach that he will listen to the taxpayers and townspeople of the towns of Industry and Farmington. As does Dennis Haszko, I congratulate Mr. Harvell on his nomination as the Republican candidate for the special election on February 3, 2009.

    It is my goal, if selected for the Democratic nomination to use the experience of someone who is native to this area and has also listened to the people who live here and send their children to local schools. In response to Mr. Harvell’s suggestion that “there are no free lunches” I find this to be insulting to those who do access the local schools’ reduced and free lunch programs.

    There are to be many more qualifying for these and other state programs in the coming months; and local and state governments may, in fact need to say “no” to many publicly-funded campaigns throughout the state. In my opinion, there are numerous good ideas and methods to help local businesses and organizations network, access resources and create strategies for advertising this wonderful area. We must and we will help existing businesses and new ones in this area.

    So, I suggest we focus on the positive aspects that this area possesses. I am troubled by the failure of the above commentary to suggest how resourceful citizens of this area can be. Those of us who have lived here (and though I am young, I am old enough to remember the tough days of the past) remember the times when there was little economic growth in this area. The citizens of Farmington and Industry have weathered financially dismal times before and it will be my task if elected, to inspire and help create new opportunities and spending strategies that will allow businesses and organizations to stay here.

    It is my belief that we can and will do more to help retain our young people and preserve a place where they can succeed and raise their children.

    Jeremy Smith

    Candidate for Democratic Office – District #89
    http://jeremysmithfor89.wordpress.com

  3. The United States has a deficit which now seems destined to grow by the trillions. The State of Maine faces a biennial deficient which will range from 800 million to a billion. The causes are easily understood: the promises of politicians have ran far ahead of our ability to pay for them.

    The appropriate response seems clear—say Yes to No.

    The Democratic contenders find that “NO” lacks Grandeur, the Power of Postive Thinking, and the Spirit of Uplift. Their faith in government, which has brought us to this fiscal horror show, is undiminished. They seem sure that there are all sorts of things which we must say yes to, while our inability to pay for promises appears to cause them no pressing concern. Indeed, pointing to the problem distresses them.

    Alas, reality always carries a burden of negativity. One its burdens is the harsh reality that there is no such thing a free lunch. Promises cost. Costs must be paid. Payment falls on the taxpayers.

    There is a lot of vapid drivel in these responses, about creative strategies, etc. , but the lawyer’s statement that he finds the indisputable assertion that there is no such thing as a free lunchI insulting to “those who do access the local schools’ reduced and free lunch programs” is clearly the silliest by a long chalk. Does he really think that no one pays for those lunches? Or is he offended by the tactlessness of truth?

    John Frary
    jfrary8070@aol.com

  4. Reading Lance’s letter, I kept wondering since I do not know him, what is his party affiliation?
    Not being proud enough of one’s party to state it is not a good thing.

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