Editor,

The Sebago Lake region faces a serious threat from a foreign invader – invasive milfoil, an aquatic nightmare that can choke off some of the finest boating, swimming and fishing waters in the state. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is doing what it can with limited funds, but a greater effort must be made to control this threat.

That is why I was pleased to take a call the other day from Democratic candidate Tom Bossie, who is running for the House District 101 seat against the Republican incumbent. It was clear to me that Mr. Bossie was up to speed on the potential disaster of milfoil in his District, and he wanted to know what else could be done. He told me that if elected, he will make this issue one of the first ones he tackles. He was calling me because he knew I currently chair the Legislature’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee, and that I might have some suggestions as to how to proceed.

This kind of motivation and drive is rare in any first-time legislative candidate. The concern Tom Bossie has for this problem, and for its potential solution, is in stark contrast to his Republican opponent, who showed no such interest in the last legislative session. The voters of House District 101 (Casco, Naples and part of Poland) should take note and support Tom Bossie. We need his kind of initiative in Augusta.

Thom Watson

Rep. House District 62 (Bath)

House Chair, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee