Dear Editor:

I served four years in Maine’s House of Representatives with Stephanie Hawke. In fact, the last two years we were seatmates. We both were also granted leadership positions as sophomore legislators in our respective committee assignments. I was the ranking member of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, while Stephanie was the ranking member in Marine Resources.

I had a front row seat to Stephanie’s leadership and representation of the people in Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, Southport, Westport Island and part of South Bristol. Stephanie was an exemplary legislator. She did her homework not only on marine resource bills, but all legislation, whether it was a bill before the education committee, agriculture or taxation. She was a state representative abreast of all matters before the legislature. Stephanie had impeccable attendance and punctuality in all aspects, whether it be in legislative session, leadership meetings as well as in committee. With regard to constituent communication she always returned calls and emails in a timely manner.

As a local small business owner, Stephanie understands the impact of unnecessary regulation and increased taxes that impede small businesses, the very backbone of our Maine economy. She always votes on the side of smaller government and common sense with mindful effort to support Maine's hard working families.

The people of House District 89 deserve the dedication, level of commitment, small business sense and leadership that Stephanie brings to Augusta.

Please re-elect Stephanie Hawke on Nov. 3.

Hon. Karen A. Gerrish

Former State Rep, House District #20