Dear Editor:

Although not re-elected for a second term, I will be forever grateful to those who supported my campaign for reelection. There were so many who signed the nomination papers, contributed to the Clean Election Fund, spent time knocking on doors, were willing to place lawn signs on their property and wrote letters to the editor.  I must also thank those who encouraged me throughout the campaign and those who voted for me. 

Serving as the Representative for District 47 Alna, Jefferson, Whitefield and Wiscasset for the last two years has been an incredible experience. I have a much better understanding of how our legislature operates. It was the experience of a lifetime, having worked with Representatives and Senators from both sides of the aisle. 

I am also thankful for the opportunity to have cosponsored legislation to successfully resolve previous injustices. In one case, LD1499, retirement benefits were restored to over 100 retired teachers and state employees throughout the state. Multiple attempts to resolve this issue over the last twelve years had failed in previous Legislatures. In another case LD2027, a property tax exemption, granted by the Department of Environmental Protection, was overturned, avoiding a 15% property tax increase for Wiscasset property owners. 

I am especially thankful to Linda Winterberg. Had it not been for Linda I never would have considered running for representative. It was Linda who first suggested that I run for representative. Thank You Linda, may you rest in peace. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to have served the people of District 47.

Edward J. Polewarczyk 

Wiscasset