There is a heated Select Board race going on in Readfield. I will vote for Bruce Bourgoine and Chris Sammons because they are intelligent, capable, reasonable, thoughtful and open-minded. They are both capable of listening to different viewpoints with empathy, compassion and respect.

When I called and asked for signs for my lawn, they both delivered signs the same day. I had the chance to speak with them both, and I was impressed with their ability to listen, to understand my thoughts and to explain their views to me with thoughtfulness and respect.

People who are strongly passionate in their beliefs often can be incapable of listening, open-mindedness or compromise. I encourage voters to read the messages from each candidate and vote for emotional intelligence and wisdom, not passion and zeal.

Kim Whitman

Readfield