I am so impressed with Caitlin Hills, candidate for Maine House District 97, Belfast, Northport and Waldo, that I have changed my longstanding voter registration as an independent to democrat, so I can vote for her in the June 12 primary. 

I have not known Caitlin long but I have seen her remarkable desire and ability to listen and respond with intelligence and compassion to a wide variety of viewpoints during several community listening sessions. Her experience as a working single mom, law-school graduate, advisor to a U.S. Senator on environmental issues, author of legislation that actually passed, longtime community activist, life-long democrat, and Chairwoman of RSU 71 School Board, enable her to articulate common-sense, workable positions on our most pressing problems, such as the growing costs of education versus rising property taxes. In these give-and-take sessions, young and old were amazed at her thoughtful grasp of every issue.

I wholeheartedly endorse Caitlin’s views on critical protection of our environment; making the State pay its promised share of education costs; common-sense, effective gun policies; affordable, quality health care for all; protecting voter rights and initiatives; increased affordable housing; fair State education formulas affecting local property taxes; full gender, racial and sexual equality; practicing fiscal responsibility, and expanding post-secondary education and opportunities.

We are lucky to have a woman of Caitlin’s ability, experience and passion step up to the difficult, time-consuming challenge of campaigning to represent us in the Maine Legislature. She deserves our support. 

David Estey lives in Belfast