As a first-time visitor to Maine, I was surprised and dismayed, in this day and age, by the virulent nature of racism and hate Maine demonstrated in recent stories related to the Lewiston mayoral campaign.

In fact, if I had not just arrived, I would have rethought visiting Maine, as I have no inherent need to inflict pain on myself.

I realize that most folks in Maine couldn’t care less about one less visitor, but thought some might be interested in how an outsider views their state now.

Paul Leung, Shady Shores, Texas