Much of the crime in our community stems from issues related to addiction or mental health. Yet our justice system’s basic response to any crime is jail time, not treatment for someone’s underlying problems.

As a result, the same people get arrested repeatedly. That is unfair to victims — as well as law enforcement — who bear the burden of a system that fails to address the root causes of crime.

We want a district attorney who will use their office to tackle crime at its roots. We believe Ed Rabasco Jr. is the candidate for the job.

Crime is complex, and no one person can solve it all. But we believe Ed’s record of public service, 35 years practicing law, and views on how to improve prosecution will set Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties up for a better, safer future.

We will be voting for him this Nov. 8.

Phoenix McLaughlin and Abbe Ramanan, Lewiston