Dear Editor:

In the handful of years since I met Michael Tomko I have grown in admiration of his quiet passion for public service in Boothbay Harbor, his spirit of collaboration leading him to consider all points of view concerning potential changes to our community – including the divisive subject of East Side development, which dominates the upcoming Boothbay Harbor election. 

In conversations Michael and I have had on this and other Planning Board issues, I have always found him to be factual and precise – for example, discovering that the more restrictive shoreland regulations from Maine DEP take precedence over any in the town, which are less restrictive. Facts above all drive his ultimate decisions about how the town should come down on issues brought before the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen.

Michael has honed his skills and gained experience on the Board; now he is running for a new term. I absolutely endorse his candidacy, and believe that his commitment to the town’s best interests coupled with his calm approach allow Michael to act selflessly on behalf of the town we all live in and love.

Emily Rand Breitner

W. Boothbay Harbor