DEAR MS SUN SPOTS: I read your response about what happens to campaign money that is not spent. Readers might be interested in knowing how the clean election fund works in Maine.

Since I ran as a clean election candidate, any money I don’t spend goes back to the state of Maine. As you know, the Ethics Commission has all the details.

We should be so proud of the fact that Maine, through a people’s referendum, was one of the first states in the country to establish public financing of elections to get big money out of politics. With the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision in 2010, much of the system has been turned on its head, but many of us still run as “clean” candidates. — Rep. Peggy Rotundo, [email protected]

ANSWER: Sun Spots is pleased to share more information on this worthwhile and fair program. Here is what she found at maine.gov/ethics/mcea/:

The Maine Clean Election Act, passed as a citizen initiative in 1996, established a voluntary program of full public financing of political campaigns for candidates running for governor and state senators and representatives.

Candidates who choose to participate may accept very limited private contributions at the beginning of their campaigns (seed money contributions). To become eligible, candidates must demonstrate community support through collecting a minimum number of checks or money orders of $5 more made payable to the Maine Clean Election Fund (qualifying contributions).

After a candidate begins to receive MCEA funds from the state, he or she cannot accept private contributions, and almost all goods and services received must be paid for with MCEA funds.

In 2014 here is what candidates were eligible for (to spend on their campaigns). The first number is for the primary; the second for the general election.

State representative, contested, $1,429, $4,724

State representative, uncontested, $486, $1,559

State senate, contested, $7,359, $21,749

State senate, uncontested, $1,831, $7,177

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are a division of Pathways and run a day program five days a week for people who have disabilities, and we read them your column on Monday through Friday.

We are looking for a small sewing machine, material to make pillows and seat cushions, polyfill, small scrap wood to make projects, acrylic paint, Popsicle sticks, tongue depressors, colored tissue paper, used Christmas cards and black, green and red felt. 

Thank you so much for all the help you give people. — Elaine Terenzoni, WT Twarog Senior Enrichment Center, 25 Poland Road, Auburn, 207-783-9288, ext. 2207

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Something happened to me last week that I believe will make your readers feel good about our younger generation.

I was shopping at Jo-Ann Fabrics for yarn that I use to make shawls for hospice patients. A young lady (probably in her 20s) noticed the yarn and complimented me on my selection.

My husband heard and commented that I use it to make someone in the hospice feel a little better and that I have made several so far. The young lady said that made it even better.

We left the store and walked to our car, but before we could drive off, the same young lady ran to our car and handed me $10.

She said, “Please use this to buy your next yarn and tell them it’s from Hailie.” This brought tears to my eyes but gave me a wonderful feeling that the world is OK. 

Love your column. — Irene Adams, Hartford

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected].