Here's why I think people should vote for Ellie Goldberg to represent House District 95 (Warren, Hope, Appleton, part of Union) in the next election. Her opponent does not appear to live in the real world where most of us exist! Example: in a recent candidate debate hosted by the Union Area Chamber of Commerce, the candidates were asked whether health insurance should be provided by employers or the government. Ellie's opponent answered that she believes each person should be personally responsible for their own health insurance! A simple minded answer for a very complex issue to be sure.

All I can conclude is that she never speaks with the elderly, who have an ever-increasing need of medical support as they age and who are devoted to the government's Medicare program and the security it provides. Or maybe it is that she doesn't know the many people who struggle to make ends meet, hard-working people – people for whom purchasing independent medical insurance for their family is as remote a possibility as a vacation in Hawaii!

Healthcare and health insurance are complex areas where there are no longer any easy answers. We need to send someone to Augusta who can dig in and understand the complexities of health care insurance and how it impacts different parts of the population — children, the elderly, the self-employed, etc. We need someone who will work with all interests and all political persuasions to achieve the best outcome for the people of Maine and her District. Please join me in voting for Ellie Goldberg on November 8.

Larrain Slaymaker lives in Hope