This letter is to support Wendy Wolf, an Independent candidate who is very capable and well positioned to represent us in the state legislature. The fact that she is an Independent is highly significant. It means that she comes with no political ties or commitments to either political party and therefore is free to vote her conscience on any issue which she believes is in the best interests of the communities that she will be representing. I don't know about other states, but a large number, perhaps a majority of Maine voters are Independents, so she has the potential of a strong backing of Maine residents on issues of state-wide importance.

Wendy comes with an amazing background. She is a former pediatric cardiologist; (as a former cardiac surgeon myself, I know the hard work and devotion to duty that are needed in such a profession.) Wendy also worked on implementing the national Children's Health Insurance Program during both Clinton and Bush administrations. She recently retired from her position as CEO of the Maine Health Access Foundation.

Wendy has lived in the Boothbay region for nearly 20 years. She is currently a Boothbay Harbor Selectman and is a member of the Boothbay/Boothbay Harbor Joint Economic Development Committee. She has clearly and consistently demonstrated her skills as a pragmatic problem solver who will work with both parties in helping to resolve Maine's most troublesome problems. She promises to focus her energies on the economy, education and health care as well as other important issues as they may come to light.

Barclay M. Shepard, M.D.

Captain, Medical Corps, USN (retired)

Boothbay Harbor