I write to heartily endorse Peter Crichton’s letter (“Gov. Mills has the right stuff to be Maine’s next senator,” March 2). I am more than concerned about what could be seen as an absolute rush to “dump” Janet Mills and vote in Graham Platner. I received a call from Mr. Platner’s fundraisers this week and asked them, “What experience does he bring to the table with him?”

They “ummed” and “erred” at me; I was not given a satisfactory answer. We must take a look at our president now and ask ourselves: Do we really want someone with no experience in a crucial state leadership role in our fine state? I would be more than willing to vote for (or consider voting for) Platner if he brought a modicum of experience to the role he is seeking.

Platner should pay his dues before attempting to leap to the top of the ladder. Janet Mills has served us well and her dues have been royally paid. With Crichton, I agree that Platner has a strong speaking style. But leadership is more than style. 

My concern is that Platner would need to spend his first year just getting to know the job he wants to apply for today. I am truly worried that this rush to anoint him is based, in part, on the attractive persona he offers. I require more than that. I want someone with solid experience in a leadership role. What are Maine other voters looking for in our next governor?

Deborah Coward
South Portland