I have decided what to do with the Gov. Mills windfall of a $300 relief check announced during her 2026 State of the State address. I plan to donate it to the Graham Platner campaign for U.S. Senate!

The governor must have some idea how many of us heads of household in Maine earn less than $75,000 (and couples less than $150,000). This would come in handy to pay for $4-per-gallon gas or for more expensive grocery bills, but I have decided to invest in Maine’s future instead. I will tighten my belt a little; I am on the high side of the income range. Many of my friends will need the extra $300. 

Graham Platner is not accepting donations from big donors; he should find my donation helpful on his trips around Maine, giving town halls (during which he actually talks with people about his plans and listens to their concerns). He pledges to keep doing that, even after the election. What a wonderful change from the status quo.

Gov. Mills has plenty of money for her campaign. I figure it would only be fair to help out Graham Platner, who will be more than a one-term senator. We probably don’t need to send any more elderly senators to Washington, D.C. It’s time for a younger person to join the other progressives in Congress. This 77 year-old Vietnam veteran thinks it is time to help the younger generation get a running start.

Don Smallidge
Waterville