Sounding Off for Neilson

I’ve gotten to know Will Neilson as he’s gone door to door campaigning to win the Democratic primary for the Maine Legislature’s House District 53.

Will has a deep understanding of most programs that economically benefit Maine citizens and the health care system, particularly the MaineCare health insurance program, also known as Medicaid, the foundation of public health in this country. This program ensures that low-income Mainers remain healthy and able to work, and, as a result, the majority go on to full employment and have access to other types of health insurance.

As an attorney, business owner, and community leader, Will has a firm grasp of Maine’s complex economy and a nuts and bolts vision of how to improve the health and financial security of our citizens. He’ll be a civil yet forceful, effective advocate in the Maine legislature and he’ll have my vote on June 14.

Jane Elizabeth Fisher,

Dresden

More Support for Neilson

With the June 14 primary fast approaching, it is time to think about choosing our representatives to our state legislature. For the state to continue to move ahead in the face of the embarrassing and irresponsible behavior of our current governor, it is imperative to send to Augusta an individual of unquestionable character and commitment to the welfare of all Mainers. Will Neilson, a man of great civility, integrity, and dedication to public service, is just such an individual. To the job he would bring a solid understanding of the issues facing the state; to talk with him about education, health insurance, town planning, fishery management, energy sources and the impact on Maine of environmental and commercial development in the Arctic, is to discover how well informed, insightful and articulate he can be about these topics.

He also has a broad range of personal experience and skills dealing with a variety of Maine citizens. As a lawyer he has done pro bono work for children and the disadvantaged. As a business owner he has not only been concerned about the well-being of his own employees but has worked to improve the quality of life in the town of Bath as a president of the Rotary and a volunteer for the United Way Task Force on Community Solutions for the Elderly. In 2013, the city of Bath recognized all of his service with the Al Smith Community Spirit Award. Will clearly has such an extraordinary desire to serve his fellow Mainers and so many talents as a public servant and leader that I hope you will join me in voting enthusiastically for him in the upcoming primary.

Janet Kehl,

Arrowsic

In Politics, Women’s Voices Must Be Heard

Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman, Eleanor Roosevelt, we thank you along with the countless number of female pioneers that left their mark in American politics throughout history and to this very day. Love her or hate her, Hillary Clinton is paving the way as a leader for female politicians. Clinton is one of the highest ranked women in politics, along with the likes of Sandra Day O’Connor, Madeline Albright and Janet Reno. That is just to name a few famous first women in American government. Does Clinton have what it takes to go down in history as the first female president of the United States? Some political advisors undoubtedly think so.

We all know that the face of our American political system is changing. Historically, once considered a mainly male profession politics is slowly attracting more females. This is 2016 and the times are definitely changed. The idea that the woman’s place is in the home has long since faded, thanks in large part to leaders like Jeannette Rankin. Rankin made history in 1917 as the first woman in the House of Representatives. Today, almost 100 years later, the total number has only risen to 84 out of our 435 members of the house. That equates to only 19 percent total female representation. Up until recent years the race for the white house has been overwhelmingly male candidates. In this election we witnessed two women vying for the highly respected position as the United States president. Democratic candidate and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, and Republican Carly Fiorina went head to head in the presidential race. Much like her 2010 bid for the senate, Fiorina’s presidential campaign was unsuccessful. We may not see her in the White House anytime soon but Fiorina’s accomplishments as the CEO of HP are nothing to be ashamed of.

Progressive labor laws such as the equal opportunity act and the equal pay act have helped to create a more even playing field. The tables have started to turn and many occupations are becoming more gender equal. For example on Oct. 6, 2015, California passed a law that closed the wage gap between women and men. Although this concept is nothing new and has been debated time and time again, it has suddenly become a leading topic in the presidential race. According to a report from NBC news republican candidate, Donald Trump, declared that the only thing in Hillary Clinton’s favor is “the woman card,” except for the fact that women don’t actually like her. In a world where 51 percent of women claim to have experienced gender discrimination, and women are four times more likely to vote than men, Trump may want to rethink his strategy.

In conclusion, after discussing the history and future of women in politics, gender discrimination, and men in politics we have learned that women need to pick up the pace and become equal with men in politics. Considering how far we have gone, and how far we still need to go, it is imperative for women to be confident and to let their voice be heard.

Holly Temple,

Bowdoinham

A Vote for Hepler

For many years Allison Hepler has been a dedicated advocate for all things related to history. Several years ago, I worked with her to produce, the Woolwich Historical Society’s quarterly newsletter, “The Woolwich Times.” Since then, she’s become an active member of the board, serving as secretary. The board plays an important role in maintaining the Historical Museum, no small feat. Allison has also presented at several of the Patten Free Library’s Winter History series, speaking about alewives, river ferries and the history of Route 1 in Woolwich. Allison’s talks are always interesting and informative. They encourage a curiosity about our past. I have seen how well she represents our history and look forward to having her represent us at the State House.

Ann Pierson,

Woolwich

Baker Deserves Support

Almost never does the the electorate turn out a sitting candidate. The only reason is fraud, deception, impiety, or hypocrisy or committing a felony. Our current senator, Linda L Baker, R-Topsham, has not done any of these.

She is a retired educator — a teacher with 35 years of service to the communities she serves. I have observed her due diligence doing the peoples business. She does not always go my way on particular legislation, but I would be disappointed if all her work that she has done, I would agree to. That being said, “to please all is to disappoint all.”

I think of my comrades past and present that she helped for their benefit. She is indeed in the veterans’ corner. She also serves on the Maine Fishers as chairperson, a very important committee that serves her coastal district. Sen. Baker has learned well and deserves our support. As a former educator she carries a great trait: She listens.

Please join me and many others on June 14 in supporting Sen. Linda L. Baker in her quest for her place in the Maine State Senate.

David S Kaler,

Bath