Bob Staples is president of the Brett M. Staples Brain Disorder Awareness Coalition.

Maine has always prized independence — of thought, of character, and of leadership. At moments of real challenge, our state has done best when it has chosen leaders who put Maine people first rather than party labels. That is why Rick Bennett deserves serious consideration as Maine’s next governor.

Bennett brings something increasingly rare to modern politics: a record of working across the aisle to get results. In an era defined by division, he has consistently emphasized collaboration, fiscal responsibility and practical problem-solving. Those aren’t talking points; they are governing values that matter in a state where neighbors still expect their leaders to listen before they lecture.

Maine faces real, interconnected challenges — affordable housing, access to health and mental health care, workforce shortages and the rising cost of living. A critical part of that equation is brain health, an issue Rick Bennett has treated with the seriousness it deserves.

These are not problems that yield to slogans or ideological purity tests. They require steady leadership, careful budgeting and a willingness to bring everyone to the table — business owners, workers, rural communities and urban centers alike. Bennett’s approach reflects an understanding that progress comes from consensus and competence, not constant conflict.

On brain health, Bennett has emphasized the need for early intervention, accessible community-based care and support for families who too often navigate complex systems alone. He recognizes that conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, traumatic brain injury and dementia are health issues — not moral failures — and that addressing them thoughtfully strengthens families, public safety and the economy alike. By prioritizing prevention, timely treatment and coordination between health care, housing and social services, Bennett points toward solutions that are both compassionate and cost-effective.

Fiscal stewardship is another reason Bennett stands out. Maine families and small businesses know what it means to balance a budget, plan for the long term and make tough choices responsibly. Bennett has repeatedly argued that government should do the same — protecting essential services while respecting taxpayers. That kind of discipline helps ensure that investments in education, infrastructure and health care are sustainable, not short-lived.

Equally important is Bennett’s respect for Maine’s diverse communities. From coastal towns to inland rural counties, Maine is not a one-size-fits-all state. Effective leadership recognizes regional differences and tailors solutions accordingly. Bennett has spoken consistently about listening to local voices and empowering communities rather than imposing top-down mandates disconnected from reality on the ground.

At its best, Maine politics has been less about ideology and more about character. Voters have long rewarded leaders who show humility, independence and a genuine desire to serve the common good. Rick Bennett fits that tradition. He offers a calm, experienced and thoughtful alternative at a time when many voters are exhausted by polarization and political theater.

The choice before Maine is not simply between parties; it is between approaches to leadership. One path deepens division and gridlock. The other emphasizes cooperation, responsibility and results. Rick Bennett represents the latter — a pragmatic, independent path forward that reflects Maine’s values and honors its people.

Maine deserves a governor focused on solutions, not sides. Rick Bennett has shown that he is ready for that responsibility.