I am writing to express my strong support for the candidacy of Owen Casas for Representative, Maine House District 94, Camden, Rockport, and Islesboro.

I have known Mr. Casas for many years now as a friend, neighbor, and town selectman. We have worked side-by-side in his father-in-law’s vegetable gardens and hay fields. I have enjoyed observing him as the devoted father of three young children and the supportive husband of a local successful businesswoman. He has never hesitated to help me, even without being asked.

He is one of those rare individuals that will truly “give you the shirt off his back”.

I have always been impressed with his sharp intellect, curiosity, creativity, and unrelenting enthusiasm regarding public policy and representative democracy. Although he and I do not agree on every issue, he has always shown an openness to a critical analysis of his views, a desire for understanding the facts rather than adhering to strictly party-line perspectives, and has demonstrated a remarkable command of complex topics and philosophies.

He has a consistent willingness to work with others, regardless of political persuasion or background, for the betterment of our communities and the state as a whole. In this regrettable era of partisan politics and polarization, I cannot think of anyone else I would entrust with finding common ground in Augusta. I would not hesitate to contact him with questions or concerns and know he would take them seriously and do his utmost to address them. He would be indefatigable in his efforts to find workable solutions to the challenges Maine faces.

I can readily envision him working dawn to dusk and beyond in the State House on the floor of the Legislature and in committee chambers. The citizens of Camden, Rockport, and Islesboro, no matter the political philosophy, can be confident that if elected, Owen Casas will help lead Maine in the right direction regardless of the obstacles. Without reservation, I encourage you to vote for him on November 8.

 Hartwell Dowling lives in Rockport