Dear Editor:

The usual political campaign season, filled with bland soundbites and endless attack ads, can make a person tune out. But this year is different.

Even in our tiny town of Alna (pop. 710), we have had the opportunity to talk with multiple state-wide political candidates in town hall meetings where they answered our questions on topics as diverse as the cost of housing, immigration raids, pre-K education, public health, the war in Iran, reproductive rights and more. 

The candidates’ answers have been thoughtful, detailed, occasionally funny, and surprisingly honest. (“I don’t know about that.  I’ll have to research it.”)

Within a half hour drive, we have had the opportunity to have similar conversations with even more candidates. And most of the candidates have balanced campaigning with current, demanding full-time jobs.

The candidate we have not seen is Sen. Susan Collins.

Senator Collins has not had a public town hall and answered questions from regular Maine residents in over 20 years.

Why won’t she meet with us face-to-face and answer our questions about why she isn’t using her power as the senior senator from Maine to require the support of Congress before starting a war?

As the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, why isn’t she using her authority to stop the President from cutting funding for health care and food for those who cannot afford the rising cost of health care and food?

Why did she cast the pivotal vote advancing tax cuts for the wealthy?

Why did she remain silent for days as dozens and dozens of Maine residents, many of them US citizens, were swept up unjustly in ICE raids?

Why does she continue to support the Secretary of Health and Human Services, who is exposing us to the risk of measles?

I wish Senator Collins would come talk to us to answer these questions and hear what we care about.

Cathy Johnson

Alna