Following is a personal report on the June 4 meeting with the Governor from Georgia Shankel. The Govenor Comes To Ellsworth Until last Saturday night my experience of Governor Baldacci was the sum of unimpressive, even negative sound bites on the nightly news. What a pleasant surprise to discover he is smart, honorable, and above all committed to the future of the people of Maine. Not just the powerful people with wealth and influence but the average person who can only return his commitment with one vote every four years. The Governor took questions from a group of about 80 citizens. The questions covered: healthcare, education and school budgets, environment, taxes, the debt, gambling casinos and illegal drugs. He answered, off the cuff, with facts, figures and compassion. He was knowledgeable about every issue in the state and more importantly, the consequences for the people of Maine. His comments were impressive but the one that effected me most was the answer to, Why not allow gambling casinos in Maine? Now, Maine needs revenue and jobs and gambling casinos may provide some short term funds but the Governor is against it. Why? Because gambling isn't good for the citizens. Because gambling in other areas has caused an increase in bankruptcy, divorce, crime, corruption and suicides. Now, if there ever was an issue where the Governor could take the easy out and go for the money it's this one. Other Governors have been successful using it but the downside is never publicized to the same extent as the upside. Still, he is standing for the average person. So, if the opportunity to meet the Governor presents itself to you, I would say  run don't walk and get a front row seat. You can listen to a 3 minute sound bite on the evening news or listen to the man. The man isn't flashy, secretive, manipulative or self-important but he is 100 percent for Maine.