To the editor:
I am writing this letter in support of Representative Pat Sutherland, a stand-out leader for Aroostook County in her first term in the Maine House, who is running for re-election this November 4th. Pat’s opponent has recently resorted to misleading negative attacks and I am writing to set the record straight. Pat has dedicated much of her life to education in Aroostook County, working for more than 20 years at Northern Maine Community College. No one cares more about the education of our kids, and creating a better economic future for our state through education than Pat Sutherland.
On the incredibly difficult battles over school district consolidation over the last term, as a member of the Education Committee, Pat took on the Governor and stood up for small rural schools. Coming from a district of small rural schools myself, I worked closely with Pat on this issue and was impressed with her passion and knowledge on this issue. As we battled to ensure that small rural schools were able to maintain their schools boards, budget powers, and their small schools, Pat spoke out in committee, on the floor, and helped craft a bill that would work for Aroostook County. When the Governor vetoed the Legislature’s bill, Pat then voted to repeal school district consolidation.
Pat won’t give up on our kids and our schools, and I know she’ll provide essential leadership in the next legislative session on issues of education – for our K-12 schools and our universities and community colleges.
We are facing incredibly tough times in our nation, and in our state, and as we watch the economy falter, we fear more difficult times are ahead. Especially in these times it is important to send thoughtful, proven community leaders to Augusta.
Rep. Pat Sutherland is a forceful voice for you and I know she’ll continue to stand up for you, your family, and your kids during these hard times. I urge you to re-elect Pat Sutherland on November 4th.
Maine House Majority Leader
