On Aug. 23, Daniel Salerno wrote suggesting the family of gubernatorial candidate Peter Mills represents an aristocracy radiating “unearned power.” Let’s review.

Janet Mills, our attorney general, served as assistant attorney general for several years after becoming the first female district attorney in New England and one of the first in the country with her 1980 election.

That, in addition to her three terms as a legislator, more than qualifies her to serve as attorney general. In fact, she’s exactly who Maine needs in the post.

Dr. Dora Mills has been Maine’s Public Health Officer since 1996. Before that, she practiced medicine in California, Africa, Nepal and rural Maine.

She earned her master’s degree in public health from Harvard, and her M.D. from the prestigious University of Vermont College of Medicine.

She too earned her position and is exceptionally qualified.

Peter Mills’ career in public service is outstanding.

He is serving his third term in the state Senate, after serving in the House since 1994.

He’s served in the Navy, graduated second in his class from the Maine School of Law, and had his own law practice for more than two decades.

I’m a Democrat and did not write to support his candidacy but instead to express disappointment with Salerno’s suggestion that aspiration, hard work and a desire to serve the people has become a bad thing.

When did a few siblings working hard to succeed change from a parent’s dream to an activity we punish?

Derek Mitchell
Canaan