Dear Editor:

Holly Stover has done an exceptional job during her first term as State Representative to House District 89, and we need to send her back to Augusta in November. Born, raised and schooled in Boothbay, Holly personally knows and understands her constituents. Always a champion of the underdog, Holly’s early career in nonprofits focused on helping at-risk children and families and overseeing a homeless shelter. To make a greater impact in programming and policy development, Holly eventually joined the state in what would become the Department of Health and Human Services, where she served for 23 years. She is currently the executive director of Lincoln County Dental, which works to help underserved Mainers in need of oral health care. Holly also is the director of the Addiction Outreach Program of the Boothbay Region Community Resource Council.

In the legislature, Holly has been in the news for her support of those affected by domestic and sexual assault. After losing an aunt to domestic violence, Holly has become an ardent advocate of establishing programs to save lives.

Furthermore, as a member of the Commission to Study Long-term Care Workforce Issues, Holly is tasked with finding solutions to helping our aging Maine population receive the care they need. Holly values our senior population, and knows we need to develop strategies to improve long-term care jobs.

Most recently, Governor Mills signed Holly’s bill to expand treatment for opioid use disorder under Mainecare into law, which exempts the need for prior authorization for treatment. Stover’s bill LD 1934 was unanimously supported by the Health and Human Services Committee. Those fighting opioid addiction can now gain immediate access to needed medications despite income and socioeconomic status.

Holly Stover is a voice in Augusta for all of us. Her priorities include affordable healthcare, investing in education to prepare for tomorrow’s workforce, keeping seniors safe in their homes and communities, and encouraging young people to stay in Maine with affordable housing and good paying jobs. Vote for Holly Stover on Nov. 3!

Pat Smith

Westport Island