The Sun Journal’s recent documentation of the attitudes of the gubernatorial candidates toward the ongoing efforts to clean the Androscoggin River was fascinating. It seems the project has become as American as the apple pies which greet our autumn season each year. Could it be only lip service to a Lewiston audience, or did it seem that all of the candidates expressed real interest in improving our river’s water quality?

Before we feel too enthused about all this environmental fervor, however, we should remember the realities of election-year politics. Only the current governor has had the opportunity to have a major impact on cleaning the river over the past four years. While his record hasn’t been perfect, he has shown a definite will to correct some of the mistakes of the past: appointing a new vigorous head of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection demonstrates that clearly.

I hope the candidates will continue to express the belief the river belongs to all of Maine’s citizens, and that it must become an important asset for all who live and work near the river.

Finally, congratulations to the Sun Journal for keeping the topic on the front-burner as the election approaches.

Greg D’Augustine, Greene,

Chairman, Androscoggin River Alliance