I am writing in response to the recent letter to the editor regarding the irresponsible coverage by the Maine Trust for Local News of Graham Platner’s candidacy (“Paper’s love of Platner is irresponsible,” Jan. 1). 

I agree with the author regarding the preferential publicity given to this senatorial candidate by the recent coverage, but am even more concerned that both the newsroom and the public may be missing the obvious. 

In our collective efforts to reform the current state of politics, by bringing in younger politicians with “fresh views,” we are missing a focus on the more important traits of competency, successful experience and character. 

From my perspective, this combination is best exemplified by someone like Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona. He is a retired astronaut and a former naval officer who flew combat missions during the Gulf War as a naval aviator before being selected as a NASA/Space Shuttle pilot. 

A candidate for U.S. Senate, with a substantially less impressive personal and professional background or without a proven ability to succeed, should perhaps start his career in politics by running for town councilor. 

Dudley Warner
Falmouth