I've owned the Village Variety in Camden for 34 years now, and I can tell you firsthand that Sen. Dave Miramant is a man of his words who works for all of us, regardless of party affiliation. Ever since I've known him, through his time as a Camden selectman, House Representative and now Senator, Dave has consistently been a man of integrity and action who gets good things done.

Dave Miramant supports small business owners in many ways, including by reaching out to inform us and solicit our input when legislation that might affect us comes up in Augusta. This is an invaluable service.

Dave Miramant actually cares about who his constituents are and how we're doing. I couldn't even pick most of the legislators we have now out of a lineup but Dave goes out of his way to meet and know his constituents, and his fellow community members. He stops by the store just to say hello and not only during an election cycle but consistently, because that's who he is: a great human being who cares about all of his neighbors and works hard to ensure our voices are heard in Augusta.

When I ran for and was elected as a State House representative from the Rockland area in the 1970s, I took Dave Emery's seat. He has always been a party-line Republican, and from my experience and observation, a very partisan politician. I want a Senator who takes actions that are best for our whole community. I want a Senator who listens to me not because we're in the same political party but because that's the job. That's another reason why Senator Miramant gets my vote.

A lot of people say they listen to and represent all people, but Senator Dave Miramant actually does this. You can look at his voting record and see that it aligns exactly with what he says. It's refreshing to see someone in office who actually cares and not because of the title or some other position they're aspiring to down the road but because it's innate to his character. That's the kind of Senator Dave Miramant is and that's why he gets my vote. 

I hope you'll join me this November 8 to re-elect Senator Dave Miramant. 

Gary Fowlie lives in Camden