I am writing this letter in support of Betsy Saltonstall's candidacy to the Maine House of Representatives.

I have known Betsy in her capacities as an elected representative for both local school boards and as a volunteer in Rockport town affairs.

Betsy is smart, hardworking, and takes the time to educate herself about the issues in front of her before making her decisions. She strikes me as approaching her job with an open mind, though grounded by her personal beliefs. She is confident in her own abilities and seeks the opinion of others in order to gain more information about a particular issue.

She has been particularly focused on educational issues and understands the difficulties our public schools face today. Her involvement as a member of our local school boards and as a member of the State's school management association gives her a well rounded educational perspective. She has been particularly active in asserting that the state honor it's responsibility to fund public education at 55% of cost. The State has yet to fund at that amount with the result that local property taxes have funded the shortfall.

Betsy has my support as well for her willingness to understand the issues that face local businesses, employees, and families. I believe she will work in Augusta to promote policies that benefit the small businesses and their employees that form the economic backbone of our region.

Betsy has demonstrated to me that she has the temperament and experience across many disciplines to be an effective advocate for us in Augusta. Please join me by voting for her on June 14.

Taylor Allen lives in Rockport