I hear terms such as “more equitable prosperity” and “shared prosperity” and I get real nervous. It may appear as though someone is concerned about people falling behind, but more likely someone is more concerned about some people getting ahead, and leaving them behind.

I will call this what it is – socialism.

Someone is making the determination where other people’s money is needed most. This is done in some cases without consent, and taxpayers have no say or do they?

Every two years, Maine has an opportunity. The entire makeup of the Legislature can be changed in just one day. For the last 38 years, the Democrats have controlled the Maine Senate. That is no exaggeration. Four decades of the same people running the state into economic obscurity.

What is left?

How many farmers have to sell out their family’s history and move on, or the state’s businesses have to close before people attach credit where it is squarely due?

Will the Democratic dream of a more equitable prosperity heat anyone’s home this winter, or put food on the table?

On Nov. 4, voters will either assign responsibility for the dismal economic policies to the Democratic majority in Maine for the past 40 years and turn them out of office, or they will accept another two years of more “equitable prosperity.”

I’m for turning them out.

Russ Pack, Turner

Editor’s note: Russ Pack is the Republican candidate for Maine Senate District 17: Mechanic Falls, Minot, Turner, Lisbon, Sabattus, Leeds, Wales, Greene, Livermore and Livermore Falls.