To the editor:
I have just finished reading the article by Colin Woodard entitled “Maine’s Ruling Family.” Quite frankly, I do not get his point. To even suggest that Senator Mitchell is in a point of conflict of interest is insulting to a man who served Maine and gained the respect of world leaders.
The author recognizes that the senator started life with little or nothing and through hard work and dedicated public service rose to the highest position in the United States Senate. Further, the senator moved on to business where he became chairman of the board of one of America’s largest and most respected companies. He has served on the boards of directors of other large and influential companies.
I find it odd that the author recognizes that the Mitchell and Baldacci families gave generously of their time by volunteering or running for state and local positions and through insinuation assumes conflict of interest.
I have known George Mitchell for 25 years and I can tell you without hesitation, that Sen. Mitchell and Gov. Baldacci have not only not committed acts of conflict of interest but each has been extremely cautious to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.
This author is a man that misunderstands the facts of life or has an axe to grind for reasons of his own or some interest that he fails to disclose. It seems to me that your distinguished paper would have more to print than an article of insinuation. Not one mention of a genuine conflict of interest appears in the article. The author owes an apology to these families and he should either the true reason for writing this article or point out specific instances where the conflict exists.
Norman S. Reef
Portland