As a small business owner and a Waldo County resident involved in local town government, I follow a number of issues that affect our daily lives here in rural Maine: Energy policy, school & local government funding, support for youth, health and emergency services. 

No matter where I go in support of these issues, whether it’s a legislative hearing at the Statehouse or a community forum in Belfast, Jonathan Fulford, from Monroe, is there. 

Never have I seen a candidate work so hard for true understanding of the issues, the different perspectives, and the best way to forge a path to improve the situation. He researches and reads up on the issues, studies innovative solutions pioneered in other states, and talks with all the players involved. 

I don’t know about you, but I am tired and dismayed by the decline in civility in our state politics. Name-calling, provocation, threats are just some examples of late. We have to move beyond the polarization and get back to reasonable discourse and problem-solving.

From what I have observed, Fulford possesses the qualities I am looking for to be my voice in Augusta: respect for the values of Maine people combined with an eye to the future and how to make Maine a safe and kind place to live, with quality jobs, quality pay, and a secure environment.

Please join me in voting for Jonathan Fulford this November!

Elise Brown lives in Liberty