I watched the 3-candidate debate for governor of Maine last evening and I was take aback at the wrongfully placed attack on our first lady, Ann LePage, and our Maine Governor, by outgoing Congressman Michael Michaud. What could he have been thinking of in delivering this salvo: Governor, taking care of our veterans is more than having idea cream socials at the Blaine House. Apparently Michaud chooses not to properly recognize and respect the marriage partner that Ann LePage has been to Paul LePage: a wonderful host and outstanding support for our veterans, most especially for the war wounded and amputees. During the televised debate when Michaud attempted to tear down his opponent on this subject, it got me to thinking of Anns personal record and how fortunate Maine is when headed by this particular First Couple -- a governor married to a woman who cares so much to be active with him in caring leadership and accomplishment. Each year Ann LePage travels to Arlington National Cemetery in a convoy -- including by motorcycle (gutsy lady that she is) -- to take Maine balsam wreaths to place on the graves of those lost in service from Maine and our nation. Ann has been a leadership star to raise money for amputee support at the new Travis Mills summer camp at Belgrade, even jumping out of a plane with quadruple amputee Travis Mills to bring attention to the cause of those like himself who have lost their limbs in action. Travis got both harms and both legs blown off while on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan. How can we do less than applaud when hearts, time and pocketbooks are dedicated to those who have been sacrificial patriots for freedom? Ann LePage, in a privileged place of leadership and example, has continued in her own personal and unique way as a daughter of Maine, to do what is right and good. By Gods grace, she gives her energy and caring everyday to her husband, family and the State of Maine. Good for her. We need a woman in the Blaine House! As a first couple Paul and Ann Lepage have been down to earth with their Blaine House hospitality. I have seen Ann kick off her shoes at the earliest opportunity and be, as always, real. Working together, Paul and Ann have increased opportunity for our veterans by Pauls signing a bill to assist homeless veterans (and Paul as a kid was homeless so he knows that experience from the ground up), and another bill to provide money for transportation services to and from the veterans hospital at Togus, and another bill to enable the disabled to do Maines traditional basic life activities: hunt, fish and trap. Because you know you can count of me to always stand up for the best of Maine, I want you to know that I stand up for Paul and Ann LePage as our First Couple -- for who they are -- and I applaud and thank them most heartily for what they are doing every day to give others a better shot at life here in Maine. --Linda Bean Check this out about Maines First Lady Ann LePage: maine.gov/governor/lepage/family/first_lady.shtml
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 17:30:18 +0000
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