Recount Will Waste Money

So the anti-marijuana coalition named Mainers Protecting our Youth and Communities wants to spend another half million dollars of our tax dollars to recount the results of Proposition 1. It seems that they are so biased against marijuana that they don’t mind the cost to themselves and the rest of us. This prohibition has lasted too long already and now that it appears to be coming to an end, at least partially, the people who think they should be able to control our freedom of choice continue to push for that prohibition to last. I have been fighting to end the prohibition since 1972 (an adult at 24) and was elated that Mainers, at least a majority of us, have voted to join the fight. If this recount does not change the result of the election, I only hope the Mainers Protecting our Youth and Communities won’t be able to spend another half million dollars of our tax money for another recount.

Langston Harris,

Brunswick

Berry Thankful to Bowdoin, Bowdoinham and Richmond

On Nov. 8, I was honored to be elected once again to represent Bowdoin, Bowdoinham and Richmond in the Maine House of Representatives. I want to thank all who supported me, from campaign volunteers, to my family, to the voters of House District 55.

I also want to congratulate my opponent, Rep. Brian Hobart (R-Bowdoinham) on a hard fought race, and to thank him for his service to our town and to the State of Maine.

From growing up in Bowdoinham and traveling with my father as he tapped maple trees in our hometown and in Bowdoin, to raising my family and teaching in the schools of Bowdoin, Bowdoinham and Topsham, to working for the past five years at an exciting small business in Richmond, I developed a deep appreciation for these wonderful communities and the individuals who shape them. I also learned the values of hard work, thrift, service to others, and community which I will bring with me to Augusta.

The job of a State Representive is twofold. First, it includes working with other legislators and the Governor to shape the laws of Maine, as well as a balanced two-year budget. Second, it involves responding to constituent concerns regarding state agencies or other state laws. At times these concerns lead to actual changes to the law, but more often it is simply a matter of helping constituents to find the right person or information. I enjoy both aspects of this job immensely.

Last but not least: my job is to represent the district as a whole, and I take that responsibility seriously. However you may have voted, I will do all I can to represent you. I encourage you to follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/BerryforMaine, or to contact me anytime at seth@sethberry.org.

Seth Berry,

Bowdoinham

Thank You to Topsham

I want to express my sincere thanks to all the people of Topsham for re-electing me to the Maine House of Representatives. I hope to be worthy of the trust you have placed in me.

Thank you to my opponent, Ruth Lyons, for running a spirited but clean campaign. I wish her the best and look forward to working together in the future. My best wishes also go to Topsham’s outgoing state senator, Linda Baker, who deserves our appreciation for the two years she devoted to serving Topsham and all the people of Sagadahoc County.

Over the course of my first term, many of you contacted me to share your hopes, fears, ideas, questions and concerns. Many of you told me what’s most important in your lives when I visited you at home. Hearing from you helps me do a better job as your representative.

There is a lot of work to do over the next two years.

It just came out that one person is dying in Maine every single day from heroin and other opiate overdoses. The next Legislature needs to do whatever it takes to get users into treatment, stop the traffickers, educate young people and redefine the role pain medication plays in our everyday lives.

We also have not done enough as a state to ensure Maine seniors can age with dignity and maintain their independence and ties to their communities. Many are worried about their health care, affordable housing, staying warm in the winter and paying more property taxes on fixed incomes. Addressing these needs has to be a priority.

Whether or not I continue serving on the Taxation Committee, I will again push for bills that provide property tax relief and put in place a statewide economic development plan so more young people build their lives here rather than out of state.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about state government, you can call me at 729- 4018 or e-mail me at denise.tepler@legislature.maine.go v. Thank you once more for the opportunity to serve.

Rep. Denise Tepler,

Topsham