Like many folks at this time of year, I was outside recently, “putting my garden to bed” for the winter. Culling the items that I don’t want, removing the $%#! weeds, and laying in the plants and bulbs I look forward to in the spring.

And it struck me.

There’s a reason elections are held in the autumn. On Nov. 5, we’ll have the chance to cull those representatives who throw shade, whose roots may be deep but strangle the progress of our more desirable policies; those outright weeds that grow quickly, have visually loud but unattractive flowers and want to take over the garden without supplying anything of substance.

Join me in supporting a healthy, vibrant garden of governance in Augusta, where positive policies will seek to lift up and complement the diversity held in any thriving garden.

Vote Democratic up and down the ticket. And compost those weeds.

Geoff Bates

South Bristol