It is heartening to know that Rep. Jeff McCabe, D-Skowhegan, has been successful engaging with so many people regarding the regulations affecting New Balance, a cornerstone of employment in our community.

Many were interested in understanding how we can support the workers, and businesses that employ them through the transitions of globalization. The administrators of the trade summit and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk should be applauded for their willingness to address issues outside their ideology.

This conversation stands in contrast to McCabe’s and Republican Sen. Rodney Whittemore’s different experiences advocating for the release of the Community Block Development funds from the partisan grip of our governor.

The timeline and record speaks clearly about the Republican agenda of control, regardless the needs of constituents. Our money and talents need to be invested in our communities, not squandered in fighting or hoarding. Respectful dialogue, even with those with different ideas or faiths will move us forward. Partisan stone walling is holding us back.

In the Bible, Matthew 25:14-30, the story of the talents reminds us that we are here to risk investing our energies in pursuit of a better society for all, rather than simply holding on to what we have.

Abraham Lincoln once wrote, the object of government is “to do for the people what needs to be done, but which they cannot, by individual effort, do at all, or do so well, for themselves.” Lincoln also said, “Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

Our governor would be wise to trust the people he represents to take the risk of investing in their politically diverse communities, even at the risk of financial failure. I bet he will be proud of what we can accomplish.

Michael Lambke

Skowhegan