I have respect for our five-term senator, Susan Collins. She has worked hard and has — severely hampered by party, tradition and personal denial — done what she sees as best to serve Maine and our country. However, after 30 years, it is time for Collins to retire. It is apparent that opposing the Trump takeover requires a stronger, clearer, and yes, a younger voice.

Sadly, like Willie Mays, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and even Margaret Chase Smith, Collins is sure to run again, attempting to perpetuate the hermetically sealed elder hierarchy that dominates Maine and national politics. One need only to look at the likely Republican nominee for Congress in the 2nd District to see where this refusal to pass the torch has led us (Really? Is a 76-year-old Florida retread the best Maine Republicans can do?).

I both respect and admire Gov. Janet Mills but I hope she will ignore the suits in Washington and the DNC and depart her terms with a hard- earned pride, leaving a legacy as one of Maine’s best public servants.

Absent Gov. Mills, the Democratic primary for Senate is shaping up to be a lively, healthy, energizing competition of fresh ideas, new faces and the prospect of a strong, uncompromising voice to run and win an essential Senate seat in 2026. If Mills enters the race, we risk the “same old, same old.” Unacceptable! Let’s hope she inspires us one more time, and throws this race into the brisk, salty Maine air we all love and where democracy may yet reign.

Michael Boyson
Portland