Editor:

     If you are an unenrolled, independent voter who believes we must send change to Washington, then don’t forget change starts at home. Voters are often alienated from the voting process. Our choices are usually lackluster; two lifelong, partisan candidates whose primary qualification seems to be an inherent ability to see only one side of an issue, and vote exactly as their party votes. 

  This year, we can support an obvious choice for State Senate. Tom Dunne has extensive experience working with health care policy, social services agencies and non-profit agencies - not only in Maine, but throughout the world. Tom Dunne commands instant respect from both Democrats and Republicans alike for his leadership skills. Gov. Baldacci hand-picked Tom to lead Dirigo Health, the signature project of his administration.  Republicans recruited Tom for his track record of running efficient, effective programs - such as leading the merger of social service agencies Ingraham and Youth Alternatives.  

   Tom Dunne’s opponent in this election is — surprise — a lifelong, partisan Democrat politician.  A vote for Tom Dunne sends a message that we want both the Republican and Democratic parties to reach out to the moderate voters by recruiting good candidates who can see both sides of an issue.  I hope independent voters will join me in sending Tom Dunne, real change, to Augusta.

Robert Chatfield

Cape Elizabeth