Most people agree that polarization has severely limited the ability of governments to do their jobs, especially the federal government. The situation is not so dire in the state of Maine, but there is a polarization problem here, too. Fortunately, Maine has a history of electing independent governors who have served the state well.

Very fortunately, Maine has an excellent independent candidate for governor this year — Eliot Cutler.

Out-sized political campaign contributions, frequently from out-of-staters, have also become a huge problem, threatening to undermine the very meaning of democracy. Fortunately, Maine has an independent candidate who refuses to take money from PACs or special interests — Eliot Cutler.

There have been seven independent governors of American states. Two have come from Maine. Maine has shown it can do better than “politics as usual.”

I am hoping Maine voters will do so again this year.

Ben Lounsbury, Auburn