Dear Editor:

Chris Johnson is running for reelection to the Maine Senate and based on his excellent record he deserves our continued electoral support. He has provided thoughtful leadership in Senate debates, which have often led to bipartisan Senate approvals, especially with regard to Maine coastal marine legislation.

Johnson is the chairman of the Marine Resource Committee of the Maine Senate. His leadership of the committee has resulted in wide bipartisan support for all legislation sent forward to the full Senate. Even more impressive is the unanimous committee support for fully two thirds of the bills reported out to the full Senate.

Last winter, Johnson's committee successfully acted on the complex problems that threatened the elver fishery with closure by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC).

Under Johnson's leadership, diverse public interests were brought together in support of a legislative proposal that was adopted by nearly unanimous support in both the Marine Resource Committee as well as the full Maine Senate. This timely proposal was also accepted by the contending wider community of fishing and legal interests, and notably by the ASMFC. Thanks to Chris's work, the Maine elver fishery was kept open.

In addition, Johnson led an effort to bring about the restoration of the alewife passage in the St Croix River. The legislation opened access to the St. Croix and its many streams and waterways. The health of the alewife fishery is integral to the health of other fisheries and to the coastal economy of lobstermen.

Chris also championed two successful legislative efforts to support and protect the livelihoods of lobstermen by defeating two legislative efforts to legalize the practice of dragged lobster bycatch. He also was instrumental in the Senate passage of a bill introduced in the Maine House by Representative Mick Devin (Newcastle) that established a study commission on ocean acidification which may be a threat to many Maine fisheries. Finally, Johnson has also worked hard to expand the options for the working waterfront and seafood processing industry in Maine.

We need to keep this man in the Maine Senate. He supports us and we should support him and his efforts.

Bill Messmer

Southport