Endorses Smith for State Senate
To the editor:
This time of year is invigorating here in Aroostook County for the promise of new beginnings. In that light we have the opportunity to support one of our local citizens, Emily Smith, who is running in a primary for the State Senate for the first time.
Emily has served with me on the City Council for the past five years and has been a creative and enthusiastic supporter of our local businesses and taxpayers. Her wise counsel has helped the community to keep our budget almost flat over her tenure.
During her time as the council chair she saw the combination of city positions to save on payroll, our first ever partnership with the TAMC Ambulance and our Fire Dept, and the culmination of the 10-year community center project. These accomplishments were hard fought, because as you remember the State of Maine has continually cut revenue sharing to communities. Our own has had a reduction from $1.9 million in yearly support to a new low this year of about $740,000.
The fact that for ongoing services and programs we were able to absorb the reduction and keep the taxation almost level was a huge effort. Emily was active in her opposition to the state imposed changes and saw firsthand how these financial decisions in Augusta cause turmoil in the local economy.
Not only does she have the perspective of the local government, but as a local farm owner she has experienced the effects of regulation on our farming and forestry industries.
For these reasons I cannot think of a better person to represent us in Augusta and give a voice to the people in our communities. She has the experience, dedication and the tenacity to do a great job. As she has said, “We sometimes think we must just play the cards we are dealt, but sometimes you need to get involved and reshuffle the deck.”
As a fellow councilor I am proud to call her my colleague and friend. I urge you to vote for Emily in the June 14th Primary, and give her a new beginning to help the citizens of Aroostook. So, get out and vote for Emily Smith on June 14th which will also be the day that the School Budget for SAD 1 is voted on.
Craig R. Green
Presque Isle
