Dear Gov,

Now that we are sort of neighbors, do you mind if I call you Gov, rather than the more formal, Gov. Paul LePage? I hope so, as that would be the neighborly thing to do.

I just wanted to drop you a line and welcome you and your wife to our neck of the woods.

I know your wife bought this little home off Back Narrows Road at a fire sale price, after it had been foreclosed on by the bank. Knowing your penchant for squeezing a dollar, both at Marden’s and in Augusta, I am not surprised you grabbed it. If it doesn't take too much to put it in shape, I am sure it will be a great home.

So, along with good wishes, I just wanted to clue you in some of the great things Boothbay has to offer.

First, you bought a home near the Damariscotta, one of the great rivers in the Great State of Maine. I share a home with a bride who was raised on that river and share, by osmosis, her abiding love for it. Don't miss a chance to sample the river's oysters. You can get them up the river at the Glidden Point Oyster Farm. They are a real treat.

Second, you will be living just upstream from two of the nation's great small shipyards: Hodgdon Yachts and Washburn & Doughty. In that little harbor in East Boothbay, just down river from you, they make super yachts and super tugs. I urge you to drive over and visit them. Both yards are successful because of their imagination, innovation, teamwork and hard work.

Third, I am sure that despite political differences, and there are more than a few of them, your new neighbors will treat you and your family with kindness. After all, most neighbors try to be neighborly, don't they?

Now for a few tips. After you move out of the Blaine House, you have to decide whether to use your Boothbay home or your Florida home as your official residence. Now, Florida has no individual income tax, and that will be a thing to consider. But will you forsake the state that elected you as governor just to save a few bucks?

If you choose Boothbay as your residence, just pop over to the town office and register to vote. But don't worry, the good ladies there will surely recognize you and not require you to present your passport, your Social Security card and 17 other certificates of identification just to prove you are you.

Even if you winter in Florida, I am sure you will spend the summer months in Boothbay as it is wonderful here in season.

One of the Boothbay region's traditional summer activities is sitting on the porch and relaxing with a good book. I know you like a bargain, and the used book store at the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library is the place to shop. They have great prices, great selection, and your donation will help keep our taxes down. I know you are in favor of keeping taxes down. Tell the lady at the front desk I recommended the used book store to you and she will give you a big smile.

Final tip: Be sure to tell your wife to watch the clock when she goes grocery shopping. During our peak summer season, the Hannaford supermarket in Boothbay Harbor is packed. Some residents tell me you have to go before 8 a.m. if you want to find a parking place in the lot. Also, locals say our friends from away just about clean out the store's stock by lunchtime.

Now, I will let you in on a special feature of your new Boothbay home that I'll bet your real estate agent didn't tell you about.

In the spring, a lush garden filled with daffodils will sort of erupt in your new front yard. After our harsh winters, mother nature rewards us for our fortitude with bright spring flowers. A great stand of daffs, in the garden and a bunch brought inside our home, always makes my heart sing. I am sure it will do the same for you and your bride.

Welcome to Boothbay.