Dear Editor:

I recently ran into Stephanie Hawke at the Hannaford poultry counter. As she purchased multiple packages of chicken, I told her I had to remove her election sign from my yard because signs are taboo in my subdivision. We both laughed and agreed that the Boothbay region has changed considerably since we were kids.

As a candidate for District 89 representative, she feels that the sheer number of jobs she has held gives her a clearer perspective and better understanding the issues facing Mainers today.

She’s been a child caregiver, clerk, sternman, coop worker, restaurant manager and co-owner of Good 'N You auto service station. Now she owns Hawke Motors and works at McSeagull’s Restaurant. She volunteers for the annual Windjammer Parade, Rebuilding Together, The Free Clothing Closet and Project Graduation.

She insisted that her three children work at a local restaurant for at least one summer because washing dishes and busing tables sharpens perspective, produces humility and instills incentives to work hard for success in life.

Stephanie knows visitors have positive impression of our region, but feels we can do much more to improve the small business climate. She understands that excessive regulations are a major impediment to economic development. Also, a mandatory minimum wage of $12-$15 an hour increases the costs of goods and services, limits jobs available to young persons, and cuts employment opportunities at the region's smaller businesses.

If elected, Stephanie wants to continue cutting taxes and opposes taxpayer benefits to illegal immigrants. She’ll fight welfare abuse, but supports helping families in need. She’ll work to make healthcare more affordable because a fifth of Maine’s economy is spent on health related costs. She’ll work to reduce spousal and child abuse and improve the outreach and efficiency of Maine’s social service agencies.

When we left Hannaford, I asked what she was going to do with all the chicken in her cart. She responded, “I grill lunch for the crew at Hawke Motors at least once a month. It’s good for small business morale.”

Vote for Stephanie Hawke. She’s not a politician. She has our best interests at heart.

M. C. Keene Jr.

Boothbay