As a hard working single mom with young school-age children, I am worried about how I will be represented in Augusta. Education, health care, and taxes are critical issues for my children and me, and state policies make a big difference in our lives. I can count on Kathleen Meil to be present for me in Augusta, to juggle the challenges of competing priorities, and to represent our entire district well.

District 94 includes Islesboro, where I lived for six years; Camden, where I've lived for three; and Rockport. While we share many values and priorities, island communities like Islesboro face unique challenges that are too often overlooked. Kathleen doesn't make that mistake. She asks good, insightful questions, listens carefully, and demonstrates her commitment to serving the entire district.

For example, Kathleen was the only candidate for HD 94 to participate in the recent Waldo County Candidates Forum. Islesboro is the only town in our district in Waldo County (Camden and Rockport are in Knox), and it's true that there are fewer voters there, but we all deserve responsive representation.

From what I gather, this legislative session is going to be tough. Our lawmakers will need to spend a lot of their free time reading sizable amounts of research so they can make informed votes on our behalf. Kathleen Meil has demonstrated her ability to handle multiple responsibilities, understand complex issues, and do all the work necessary to represent our communities well. I'm voting for Kathleen, and I urge you ALL to join me.

Nora Hayes lives in Camden