I was fortunate to receive an invitation to the Dec. 4 swearing in of the 121st Maine Senate. I made a special trip to Maine to attend this event.

As a native of Maine and a registered “independent” voter, I had an interest in the events surrounding the Senate District 16 vote recount. I did not have a swayed opinion until I witnessed the proceedings in the Senate chambers on Dec. 4. I listened passionately as both sides of the Senate gave point and counterpoint of precedence and legality, however, it became clear that only the Republican leadership of Sens. Rick Bennett and Paul Davis addressed the interests of the Maine people. How ironic it was that, under the gaze of a life-size portrait of Abraham Lincoln, a man who gave his life so that all votes would be counted, the Democratic Party of Sens. Beverly Daggett and Sharon Treat eradicated any ideology of democracy from the intent hands of the District 16 voters.

I urge the people of Maine not to accept this fleecing of votes. The disputed 44 ballots are to be reviewed and verified by an independent, nonpartisan committee, with the results made public to the people of Maine. Maine, and especially District 16, deserves better Democratic Party leadership than what I witnessed Dec. 4.

Robert William Jr.

Houston, Texas