I grew up working summers for my father’s lobster and marine worm business in Gouldsboro. After graduating from the University of Maine at Machias, I interned in Sen. Susan Collins’ D.C. office where I began following the 2006 gubernatorial election. One candidate grabbed my attention: state Sen. Peter Mills.

In reading “Changing Maine: 1960-2010,” Peter’s chapter on tax and budget policy impressed me with its classic Republican sense of assessing the use and value of tax money. I continued watching the gubernatorial race with much interest as I was teaching civics classes at my alma mater, Sumner Memorial High School.

While attending the Muskie School of Public Service, I realized that Maine missed a great opportunity in 2006 for Peter’s leadership.

Teddy Roosevelt’s quote: “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly” is fitting as Peter has been in the Legislature for 15 years running into Democratic opposition on all fronts. Whether the problems are budget deficits, health care or education reform, one candidate knows these issues inside and out and is ready for office on Day One in January 2011.

Peter exemplifies the hardworking and independent minded lobster fishermen and worm diggers that I know.

If Peter is not the Republican nominee in the general election, I fear there will be more years of Democratic mismanagement from the Blaine House. I hope you will join me in volunteering on the Mills For Maine campaign.

Ryan Boyd
South Gouldsboro