Dear Editor:

I am writing to support the re-election of Senator Chris Johnson in Nov. I know Chris well, having served with him in the State Legislature on the Education Committee. Chris has been a strong supporter of adequate state funding for public education, and for the role education plays in the life of the community, creating the groundwork for economic growth and good citizenship.

Maine, like other states, is suffering a crisis in drug addiction and related deaths. This past year, Chris took a leadership role in developing a comprehensive approach to the problem. Known as the Lincoln County Recovery Collaborative, this effort brings together healthcare, law enforcement, and community leaders to respond in all the appropriate ways to this crisis. I know he will continue to lead in further developing this comprehensive approach.

Chris also stands for fair tax reform. Right now, working Mainers pay about 17 percent of their income in state and local taxes, while the richest Mainers pay only about 10 percent. Chris will work for a fair tax system, so that the least well-off in our state do not pay more than the wealthiest. At the same time, I know that he will look for ways to make state government more efficient, so that tax dollars are wisely spent.

Chris is known for listening to his constituents of all parties and responding to their needs in thoughtful ways. Right now we are in a critical period in Maine's governance, and Chris will do everything he can to ensure that the Governor's irrational and destructive behavior does not interfere any further with the operation of state government to meet the needs of our people.

I have known Chris for years, and I have never met a more thoughtful and constructive leader in Maine. I am supporting him for re-election to the Maine Senate, and I hope you will as well. 

Sincerely,

Bruce MacDonald

Boothbay