Having served four consecutive terms in the Maine Legislature from 2008-2016 representing several towns in Knox County, I’d like to share some insights on the upcoming election.

First of all, I’m very concerned about how divided we are as a society. Our best and most positive results come from working together, not against each other.

Each election offers us a new chance to get informed and make the best possible choices about who can best represent us at every level of government.  I think it makes sense to look beyond the campaign and candidate to decide who will make the better representative, senator, governor, or other leader.

In the case of House District 92, Ann Matlack is a clear choice for me.  She has a solid grasp of policy-making and considerable experience in local government.  While it’s tempting, given the importance of the seafood industry in our local economy, to want to elect a career fisherman to office, I would argue that experience in representative government counts for a lot.

Dave Miramant, Senate District 12, is an experienced senator and a responsive leader with a solid grasp of state government. He listens and responds to his constituents in very impressive style.

Pinny Beebe-Center is an extraordinarily talented legislator, and the Midcoast is most fortunate for her willingness to serve at the State House.

Jeff Evangelos is a caring and passionate advocate for local citizens and we can be most grateful that he is willing to serve again.

In the Governor’s race, I plan to vote for Janet Mills because she has the judgment and experience to lead our state.  I reject the argument that a successful auto body shop owner like Shawn Moody is ready to be CEO of our state with some 10,000 employees. I reject the idea that chief executive is an entry-level position.

Chellie Pingree deserves another term in the U.S. House.  I would not be surprised to see her on the leadership team in the next Congress.  For U.S. Senate, I will be voting for Angus King, who has vast Government experience and, even though I don’t always agree with him, shows excellent judgment and wisdom in every vote he casts.

I hope all readers will think carefully about their choices and cast their vote on November 6.

Chuck Kruger lives in Thomaston