We are at a critical junction in politics today. In an era of hyper-partisanship, we need state government to work, to set a positive example of effective cooperation. It’s possible if we elect the right people to office.

I’ve seen up close and personal the leadership style of Rep. Justin Chenette. As a member of the House, he quickly went to work and earned praise on both sides of the aisle for his ability to listen to others and build consensus, and for his passionate advocacy for his constituents back home.

Over four years in office, Justin has fought to keep young people in the state, tackle the heroin epidemic, turn around the county jail crisis, protect our seniors, and reduce the influence of money in politics.

As co-chair of the Legislature’s bipartisan Youth Caucus, Justin brought Democrats and Republicans together to pass an expansion of the Opportunity Maine Tax Credit to lessen the burden of student loan debt, and passed the inclusion of service-learning and financial literacy into high school graduation standards.

He also picked up where I left off in championing campaign finance reform with his PAC reform bill banning Clean Election candidates from taking money from special interest groups.

As a member of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, Justin forged a compromise on both sides of the aisle to address a county jail funding crisis created by the governor that returned control of the jails back to the sheriffs and brought more resources into York County.

Join me in voting for Justin Chenette on Nov. 8.

Sen. Linda Valentino
Saco