Rep. Saucier is optimal nominee for our economy
To the editor:
In two terms at the state legislature, Representative Robert (Bob) Saucier has established an impressive record of tireless advocacy for Aroostook’s economic interests. The best by far of any recent representative for Presque Isle from the opposing party, this record makes Bob the outstanding candidate for a third term.
We need and deserve a representative who takes the job seriously, and Bob’s work ethic is proven in his experience in the legislature: He has a perfect attendance record at roll call votes in his second term and a near perfect record in his first term. And he has consistently supported business interests based on sustainable resources that will be the engine to drive and save the rural Maine economy.
A member of the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bob has been working hard to solve the economic problems of Aroostook. Concerned about northern Maine being overlooked by a law providing reduced power rates for businesses, Bob Introduced a bill to correct the oversight and include Aroostook and Washington counties in the reduced rate. He worked with his colleagues in a bipartisan way on a bill to help revive the troubled biomass industry. His bill to boost Aroostook’s snowmobile industry has been passed into law.
Bob is also House chair of the Maine Citizen Trade Policy Commission, committed to providing a strong voice for protecting Maine workers and Maine economic interests in federally negotiated international trade agreements.
One of the greatest economic needs for Maine’s rural economy is access to high-speed Internet, a basic need for marketing, processing orders, and connecting with customers and suppliers. About 80 percent of addresses don’t have adequate internet service and some have no access at all. This service will not only enhance the success and sustainability of existing farms and other businesses, it will also help to attract entrepreneurs and new business.
Bob introduced a bill to improve broadband access in rural Maine which passed with bipartisan support in the House. Although adequate funding of this bill was defeated by a narrow margin of legislators, Saucier says he won’t be giving up the fight.
These are only a few of Bob’s legislative accomplishments that highlight his tireless work for Aroostook County. For more, visit http://www.maine.gov/legis/housedems/saucierr/index.html, and click on “ View all news from Rep. Saucier.” Vote for Bob Saucier, the candidate with the experience, commitment, and drive to solve the problems of the Aroostook economy.
Alice Bolstridge
Presque Isle
