I enthusiastically support William “Bill” Plueker for State Representative, serving Warren, Hope, Appleton and Eastern Union. I’ve known Bill for about 12 years. He and his wife are hard working farmers, small business owners and devoted parents.

Bill is active in his community and church. Every Thursday during the pandemic, Bill spent his time volunteering at Bread for the Journey, giving back to the community. For anyone who needs it or can afford to make a donation, Bread for the Journey is located at 44 School St., Warren, open Thursdays, 9 to 11 a.m. and you can reach them at 273-4400.

Perhaps most importantly, Bill is running as an independent. He is not beholden to either political party in today’s very divided political environment. Thus, he will make thoughtful decisions to represent each and every citizen, instead of simply following one party line.

Please join me on election day and vote for Bill Plueker!

Barbara Brusila

Warren

 

It Has Never Been More Important to Vote for Maine’s Healthcare

On Nov. 10, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case challenging the Affordable Care Act. If the Court rules in favor, health care would be stripped away from millions of Americans, resulting in a lack of alternatives and increasing costs for healthcare.

In a time when the coronavirus pandemic has left many unemployed and subsequently without health insurance, I am baffled by Trump and his Republican colleagues' work to terminate the ACA. I am even more baffled by Sen. Collins, who has voted numerous times to undermine the ACA .

As a health care worker, I find the consideration of eliminating the ACA unconscionable. During this global health crisis, our leaders should be working hard to ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care.

That's why as Mainers, we need to vote for Sara Gideon. Sara believes, as I do, that health care is a right. I know that she will fight to protect that right for Mainers in the U.S. Senate.

Anita Goodwin

Rockport

 

Vote for Valli Geiger

As a longtime advocate of safe, affordable housing and as a past president and current director at Midcoast Habitat for Humanity, I am pleased to endorse Councilwoman Valli Geiger in her bid to become State Representative for District 93. Valli has many outstanding qualities that she will bring to this new role, but the one with which I am most familiar, and excited by, is her demonstrated advocacy for affordable and workforce housing for our area.

As Rockland’s Mayor, Valli worked with city officials and Midcoast Habitat for Humanity to lay the groundwork for our new project on Philbrook Avenue, a pocket neighborhood that will be home to dozens of low-income local residents. As a councilor, Valli led the effort to ensure foreclosed properties be considered as affordable housing options, a commonsense idea that is now city policy.

I have swung a hammer on a build day in Rockland with Valli, and her actions demonstrate that she is a committed ally in the fight to end homelessness and poverty housing in our area. She knows that housing is a foundational need, and that affordable places to live help not just individuals here in the Midcoast, but our economy as well. As Bill Najpauer, executive director of the Mid Coast Economic Development District said in an Oct. 13 discussion with local Rotarians, we simply cannot grow our economy in this region without affordable housing options. Lack of suitable housing is one of the top issues facing us when it comes to economic growth.

I urge you to choose a candidate who has demonstrated experience dealing with the most critical issues facing us in the Midcoast. Vote for Valli Geiger for State Representative.

Sincerely,

Vicki Doudera, State Representative, District 94

Camden

 

Vote for Dave Miramant

I am voting for Dave Miramant for Maine State Senate from District 12.

Sen. Miramant has served this district extremely well during his time in Augusta — this will be his final term before being term limited. Dave brings great awareness of the way things work in Augusta and has the ability to effect change by working there and with his constituents. He also is a great advocate within the district providing a good ear and strong ability to provide constituent services.

Personally, I called Sen. Miramant to assist with a difficult situation that arose with the ferry service and island businesses. We were at an impasse. Dave was able to call a meeting with DOT and Maine State Ferry representatives and two business representatives.

Because of his level-headedness and ability to mediate, we were able to be heard and to move forward with an acceptable solution. This could not have happened without his presence and voice. Dave is good for our district. Vote for David Miramant for State Senate.

Becky Bartovics

North Haven

 

Speak Up for Good Governance

To say this year has been abnormal is the understatement of the decade. It’s easy to see all the ways this pandemic has been difficult. It was a trying time for many reasons with uncertainty, frustration, and fear. As the months have passed, I’ve tried to balance the difficulties by reflecting on opportunistic benefits. One notable silver lining was getting to spend two months during the pandemic in the Midcoast, a rare sustained period with my parents as an adult after a decade living away.

Spending time with parents as an adult can have its difficulties. Parents hold onto memories of the child you were, and kids have an unshakable habit of not staying kids they once were. But getting to witness my father, Sen. Dave Miramant, as an adult, instilled in me newfound respect, particularly during this trying time. I have always admired my father’s integrity, grit and leadership, but it’s rare you get to witness these traits during the day-to-day.

Every day, my father juggled constituent phone calls, emails and invaluable errands that had an incredible impact on the lives of each person in need of clarity, support and leadership in the face of uncertainty. I rode along with my father as he dropped off medicine to at-risk neighbors and fixed water heaters. I watched him sit on phone calls for hours to help constituents navigate confusing unemployment benefits.

It’s vogue to denigrate elected officials and government, and perhaps much of this criticism is warranted, but we also need to speak up for what we want in our leaders. My dad has served as our State Senator for District 12 for six years. As a leader who cares about impact, not politics, he’s worked as a lead sponsor of over 60 bipartisan bills and co-sponsored hundreds more, making meaningful differences for the State and our community.

I hope you will speak up for good governance by reelecting my father, Dave Miramant. Please cast your supporting vote on Nov. 3.

Josh Miramant

New York, N.Y.

 

Vote for Michael Mullins