A letter writer recently offered reasons to support Troy Jackson, a good candidate for Maine’s governor. The writer questioned Nirav Shah, suggesting he might use Maine’s governor as a stepping stone position, and questioned his capacity to lead (“A word of caution about Nirav Shah’s gubernatorial run,” Feb. 3). 

The writer said Shah had no “legislative or executive experience.” He was Illinois’ Department of Public Health director. He was our Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention director.

Can Shah reach across the aisle, build coalitions? He did both in the Illinois and Maine state legislatures to implement actions for disease control, opioid crises, maternal mortality and lead poisoning. He led Maine’s use of state and federal funds to minimize COVID’s impact on Mainers, achieving one of America’s lowest fatality rates. Shah built public/private coalitions to supply personal protective equipment for Maine health care workers and expanded COVID testing. 

The letter said Shah “left Maine to take on a more lucrative high-profile position.” Shah was recruited by the Biden administration to the CDC in Atlanta. 

Per the letter, Shah’s return “appears opportunistic rather than rooted in sustained service.” His entire sustained, public service life has been focused on improving the health of people. Shah returned to teach future leaders at Colby College. Shah was recruited to launch his gubernatorial campaign.

I don’t know if I’ll support Nirav Shah, but we need to have our facts right when writing about him or any other candidate. 

Roy Smoot
Kennebunk