Dear Editor:

I am honored to write about Sen. Chris Johnson, one of our most impressive state legislators.

Chris is intelligent, fair, open minded and works hard on behalf of Maine families. He listens, and truly cares about the welfare of his constituents. When he doesn't know the answer, he does his homework to gather facts, hear various sides of the issue, and makes a reasoned policy decision.

Chris is not really a politician ... he's a true public servant, in the finest sense of the term. He has consistently voted his principles — to pass bipartisan budgets, to accept federal Medicaid funds that would have provided life-saving healthcare to 60,000 Maine families (including 3,000 veterans), to increase Maine's minimum wage, to restore "revenue sharing," returning $40 million to Maine towns and schools, and to strengthen Property Tax Fairness credit.

Chris is a strong voice for coastal communities' interests. As leader of the Marine Resource Committee, he brings together his colleagues in both parties to find common ground and bipartisan support for fair and sustainable fishing practices, bonding for seafood processing and lobster marketing.

Chris Johnson is the complete senator! It's hard to imagine anyone of either party who could or would serve us more effectively. If you don't know Chris, he'd be delighted to meet you at his monthly Saturday "office hours" in Waldoboro, Damariscotta or Wiscasset. Then, do yourself a favor and vote for Chris Johnson in November! You'll be very glad you did.

Susan Goodwillie Stedman

Westport Island