Willette sees the big picture
To the editor:
Having spent over three decades [and serving eight years in the House] on the third floor of the Maine Legislature; there always seems to be a few outstanding representatives who rise quickly and fully comprehend the process before them. A common sense approach, looking out for the best interest of their constituents and more importantly; the entire State of Maine are key components among the outstanding.
Listening to each word from citizens during public testimony, deciphering the common sense from emotional rhetoric, taking the extra few minutes to listen to comments in the hallway; all are parts of the legislative matrix. During the work session of committee proceedings, each of the 13 committee members often recall comments from public testimony, read through stacks of printed testimony, deliberate with legislative committee members from each side of the political aisle with the final call of a committee vote. The committee chairs often enjoy a unanimous committee vote, either yeah or nay, but often committee votes are divided reports.
It takes courage, steadfastness and a common sense approach to end up as a single vote in opposition to 12 committee members; furthermore it takes a legislator who is respected, focused and who stands by his or her values to finally prevail with the single committee vote before the House and Senate for final enactment.
I respect each and every member of the Maine House and Senate for the mere fact of their public service and I enjoy participating in the political process. The one outstanding legislator who I admire and respect is outlined in the aforementioned paragraphs; he is Rep. Michael Willette of House District 5 in Presque Isle.
Mike sees the big picture, understands the common sense approach and looks out for the entire State of Maine. If I were a voter in Mike’s district; there is no question he would have my support.
Ed Dugay
Cherryfield
