On June 14, Camden, Islesboro and Rockport Democratic voters will select a House of Representatives candidate to run in the general election in November. I would be honored to have your vote to be your representative. Stepping up to run for public office has been one of my greatest experiences.

I moved to Camden in 1972 with my parents, Fred and Pati Clemens, who came here seeking the "good life" espoused by Helen and Scott Nearing.

As I've traveled along my primary campaign trail, meeting many people and hearing the reasons why they live here, all of you have reinforced how special it is here. Our schools, parks and community resources provide a plethora of opportunities. Many of you could live anywhere, yet you've selected the quality of life offered in Camden, Islesboro and Rockport. This is a thread that pulls us all together, a common bond of compassion that we share and treasure this place together.

I've served on Rockport's Comprehensive Planning Committee, MSAD 28 and CSD School Boards and Rockport's Budget Committee. From these experiences, I've learned that Maine's legislature can do a better job making decisions that do not have a detrimental impact on municipalities. At the moment, education funding for our school is lopsided, with local property taxes contributing more than the state's share. I would like to see our schools funded at the 55 percent state level, which citizens voted for in 2004. We all benefit from a well-educated society and I am concerned that the increased cost of maintaining and operating our schools is becoming a heavier financial burden on our communities.

I want to go to Augusta to change the tide. We need our schools and municipalities properly funded. A healthy conversation about funding our schools could initiate a larger dialogue about the benefit of expanding broadband fiber internet. In our new economy, people can work where they live, not live where they work. It takes hard work and planning from many people to offer the quality of life in Camden, Islesboro and Rockport that is so unique. I've invested years of service contributing to our community so it can be a strong, vibrant place to live and work. With the Democratic voters' endorsement, I will continue my campaign to take my experience to Augusta and put it to work on behalf of our community.

Betsy Saltonstall, of Rockport, is seeking the Democratic candidacy for District 94 (Camden, Islesboro and Rockport)