To the editor:
November 2014 represents yet another critical point in time as the citizens in Caribou, and towns like it all across the nation, head to the polls to once again vote for their representation in Washington, D.C. This year, one of Maine’s Senate seats is up for election.
I am writing to endorse Shenna Bellows, the Democratic nominee for this seat. As you all know, this seat is currently occupied by Senator Susan Collins; a “local girl,” if you will. I have had the opportunity to interact with Senator Collins and can attest that she is a very nice lady. But, the problems that our community and nation face need more than nice people to tackle them. We need people who truly understand the plight of the everyday citizen, people who themselves have walked the walk that each one of us must walk.
While Senator Collins is a nice “local girl” she has had the privilege of coming from the economic elite. While her family helped found this county, they have never had to struggle with the challenges of putting a meal on the table, affording their children’s medical care, or if their jobs will be there tomorrow. While a nice lady, she is out of touch with what the everyday citizen here in Caribou experiences. One cannot truly understand unless s/he has walked in those shoes.
Shenna Bellows grew up in Ellsworth, the daughter of a carpenter. Her family did not have electricity until she was in the fifth grade; the fifth grade! She has lived it and walked it and truly understands. She didn’t get to where she is because of her family’s money or standing in the community, but because of her family’s work ethic which was born out of their struggle. She applied this work ethic to school and life and earned every job, privilege, and opportunity.
Shenna served for eight years as the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Maine. She served as a leader on several key pieces of legislation & ballot initiatives which included reinstating same-day voter registration, repealing the voter ID law, and rejecting a warrantless cell phone surveillance bill, making Maine a leader as one of only two states to reject this. Shenna has a proven record of looking out for the interests of the people of Maine. She believes that while a diverse state, that we all share common values that transcend our geography; we are one state. We need a Senator in Washington that is not a mouthpiece for corporate and special interests, but one that will be a champion of the people. Shenna is that person.
I am not a local girl but from “away.” I grew up in a small town on the Oregon coast that looks very similar to Caribou. The people there deal with the same struggles and challenges as the people of Caribou. While I have a Ph.D., I achieved this through my own hard work and at a financial cost through student loans; something that many young people of The County must do in order to realize their own academic goals. I have come to love the State of Maine and believe that Shenna Bellows would best represent the people of this great state.
I ask you to step away from simply returning the constituent to Washington out of complacency or fear, but to stand up and say, “Enough!” I ask you to join me in supporting Shenna.
Gayl M. Anglin, Ph.D.
political scientist
Caribou
