I want to express my gratitude to the people of Topsham for the chance to work alongside Rep. Denise Tepler in the Legislature this year. She has taken a thoughtful approach to each issue, and she has been fearless in asking questions of her colleagues.

Her dedication is impressive. In her first year in office, she didn’t miss any of the more than 450 recorded votes we took. She was also named one the American Legion Department of Maine’s “ Legislators of the Year” for her votes in support of veterans and veterans- related issues.

Rep. Tepler successfully fought to preserve current funding for revenue sharing in this year’s state budget and continues to push for full funding. Her work on the Taxation Committee helped bring about the doubling of the Homestead Exemption. Throughout the process, I noticed she made a real effort to include local officials in the debate and carry out their wishes when it came time to vote. She is clearly aware of the pressure Topsham property taxpayers are under.

I’m also grateful for the strong opinion piece Rep. Tepler wrote with Rep. Jay McCreight of Harpswell in defense of the Land for Maine’s Future conservation bonds voters approved overwhelmingly in 2010 and 2012. When the people vote to protect public access to some of the most beautiful land in the state, their wishes ought to be respected.

Rep. Tepler has been a welcome addition to our caucus, and I look forward to seeing what she takes on next session.

Sincerely,
Rep. Jeff McCabe,
House Majority Leader,
Skowhegan