Editorials on county government bills introduced by Rep. Randy Hotham and Oxford County Commissioner David Duguay missed important points, particularly Duguay’s motivation in this endeavor. The bills, seeking to de-politicize commissioner positions and grant them power to appoint other county officials, would have cut the voters out of the process. The bills were rejected by members of both parties on the State and Local Government Committee who were alert enough to see what was going on.

Duguay was not a reluctant enrollee in a party, as your editorials imply. He sought election as a Republican and had long been an active member of that party. Had party involvement been detrimental to his ability to serve, he could have run as an independent. In 2006, Duguay’s support for the Republican candidate for sheriff through substantial contributions and – in the case of the Republican candidate for Treasurer, lending his name to ads – attests to his continuing enthusiasm for party politics. Perhaps he is worried about the 2008 election in which he will face a competitive race in an area that strongly supports Democrats?

Support by parties is critical for county candidates who run without clean elections funds. Support from the Oxford County Democrats helped elect Sheriff Wayne Gallant, and re-elect Treasurer Mary Ann Prue. The cure for governmental inertia is not to eliminate party politics – rather it is competition and voter involvement.

Cathy Newell, Greenwood

Chairperson, Oxford County Democrats