Tim Ricker of Auburn had an interesting proposal in his letter Nov. 7 to limit campaign spending. That is an important issue, worthy of interest by every citizen who cares about democracy and the election of officials — local, state and national.

The last election was noted for many things, including outside interference, especially in the Senate race. The good sense of Maine people prevented the PACs, such as Crossroads, from tampering with the election process.

When I declared earlier this year for the commissioner seat in District 2, Oxford County, I pledged to run my campaign with the least amount of money possible. That pledge included funding my own campaign and not taking donations from anyone so that I would not be in the position of owing any group or person.

I lost that race to a big spender with many road signs and assorted giveaways. What I gained was the respect of a great many people who still contact me asking how we can get rid of excess money in the election process.

My answer to that question is to demand it of elected officials, the state party system (Democrats and Republicans) and by educating ourselves about the candidates and what they stand for so that our voting is intelligent.

People can help by focusing attention on the problem and, hopefully, make the next election cycle very different from this past one.

The general public must demand change or it isn’t going to happen.

Jane C. Rich, Andover