As election season is upon us, we need to weigh our options and make a choice, not choose a side. Two strong factors in my decision making include finding a candidate who respects each and every individual and can see the way forward toward a bright future for everyone in our region.

The candidate I choose will not impose a belief structure but will embrace people from all walks of life and ideas from multiple perspectives. Scott Cuddy supports  a women’s right to make decisions that are best for her about her own body. The best representative understands that we are all equal and deserving of autonomy regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical and neurological capability, and party affiliation.

The candidate I will choose will support an industry that will bring the clean green good paying jobs of the future to our community. Scott Cuddy understands the unique opportunity that deep water offshore wind development provides our region, placing us on the forefront of clean energy technology and helping to lead the world toward carbon neutrality.

Scott Cuddy is the best choice for all of our futures, that is why I will cast my vote for Scott Cuddy on November 5.

Lynda Casteris-El-Hajj lives in Winterport