As I complete my eighth and last term as your legislator I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve our wonderful community. I have worked hard to listen to your concerns, consider your positions and requests and vote with your input in mind. I have tried to stay open to all points of view and have appreciated hearing the wisdom of diverse perspectives.

I am writing in support of Kathleen Meil because I believe she will work just as hard and listen to your needs and thoughts just as keenly. The issues in Augusta are never simple or clear cut. I believe that Kathleen will read and study the material and will listen to the different perspectives on the issues. She will do the hard work of preparing for her votes as well as responding to the needs of constituents.

Kathleen has strong qualifications. She works for a small business and understands the challenges our small businesses face. She and her husband struggle with the challenges common to young families, knowing full well the need for improved economic opportunities and development. She has been a teacher and has children in our school system, so she knows and understands the challenges our schools and educators face. She works in the field of alternative energy and will fight hard for improving the availability of more energy that does not leave a major carbon footprint and is a job creator. She is pragmatic and understands the need to compromise and work with both sides of the aisle to reach agreements and move legislation forward.

Lastly, voting for Kathleen will help ensure a strong Democratic majority in the House that is so important in fighting the agenda of Governor LePage and the tea party Republicans during his last two years. Please join me in voting for Kathleen Meil for House District 94.

Representative Joan Welsh lives in Rockport