This Thanksgiving I found myself feeling thankful that I have a chance to return to Augusta representing Coastal Scarborough. I would like to thank Paul Aranson for running a clean campaign. Although this election saw an unprecedented amount of money spent on Scarborough races in extremely negative and misleading ways, none of that came directly from Paul. He is a gentleman and someone my husband’s family has known and respected for years. I think he and I probably agree on a number of issues.

I would also like to thank those who helped me in my campaign, whether it was financially, physically or emotionally. You are too numerous to list. ??A close race like this one is a wake up call. I’m still processing what I could have done differently over the last two years in order not to alienate those who felt they could not vote for me. I understand that some people have felt the legislature chose some battles we should not have chosen and perhaps moved too quickly on others. There is the perception that we allowed the governor to set our priorities, an idea that fails to take into account the reality of the legislative process.

I do hope the new minority is treated with the respect we gave the minority over the last two years as we approved five out of six budgets and over 90 percent of legislative business in a bi-partisan manner. I really do look forward to the challenge of working with Democrats to form consensus. I am committed to that work. Maine faces steep challenges. I still believe the 125th legislature placed Maine on the pathway to prosperity. Will that progress be derailed or can we build on the hard choices we have already made? I hope we will not do much looking back, but will, to borrow a slogan, look forward for the people of Maine. ??I am thrilled and honored to be your representative, your voice in Augusta, for the next two years. I will do so with integrity and a deep commitment to find common ground. Please email me at repamy.volk@legislature.maine.gov with questions or to be added to my e-newsletter.

Rep. Amy Volk

R-Scarborough