It is with both a sense of gratitude and sadness that I acknowledge the news that Congressman Jared Golden has chosen not to run for reelection. While I live in Southern Maine, and therefore am not one of his primary constituents — and have not always agreed with his positions — I always found him to be someone who put the interest of all Mainers and the country at large ahead of any personal ideology.

My father told me when I was very young that: “It’s important to know when to get on stage; but, it’s even more important to know when to get off.” Rep. Golden appears to have reached that point. I respect his decision, but also deeply mourn his departure.

Carl Toney
Scarborough