Dear Editor:

In Sharon Migliozzi’s April 9, 2018 letter to the Boothbay Register, she writes; “Cast one vote for Mike and leave the other blank. I figure that is the only way we can assure victory for Mike when running against two incumbents.”

Let’s be honest. Sharon is no stranger to politics. She is a registered delegate from Boothbay for the Maine Democratic Party. There is no “I figure” here, she knows exactly what she is advocating. Let’s call it what it is - “Bullet Voting” or single-shot voting. It is a tactic where a voter casts one vote despite the option to vote for other candidates. Sharon is asking you to vote for Mike BUT not cast your second vote for Dale or Steve. To be clear, the ABSENCE of your second vote means Dale or Steve’s final results will be less then what they would be if every voter cast their two votes.

Bullet voting is typically employed when a candidate is running against a slate of candidates – normally affiliated with a political party. I ask you, since when is a “slate” defined as citizens having lifelong roots, a local full-time job, kids in the school system, caring about the elderly and pro-growth? Don’t we have enough vitriol and pollution in our national political system? Do we need to stoop this low for our local elections?

Mike Pander should reconcile his public and political persona. Publicly, others describe him as “professional, collaborative, inclusive,” someone who “fosters respect” while privately he evangelizes this unsavory tactic of bullet voting. If the “real” Mike Pander is his public persona, he should speak up and encourage all voters to cast both of their votes for the two board of Selectmen seats.

Patty Minerich

Boothbay Harbor