Dear Editor:

Along with stating the obvious, such as her long history of caring and doing for our community, Holly Stover’s intelligence, grace, and openness to her constituents — embracing our differences, as well as similarities — has made her a great representative for our House District 89. 

Not every issue is easily understood through an ideological lens. Listening to Holly makes obvious her ability at grasping the cause and effect of complex features involved in law making, from the economy to education to the environment. Her years working on program and policy development at the Department of Health and Human Services, coupled with her advocacy for challenging and marginalized populations here at home, has shaped her and made her a leader.  

Holly is articulate, able to convey complex policy without resorting to talking points or denigrating those with opposing views. In fact, as a person who has served years at public service in what can be a combative state government environment, Holly refuses to resort to negative language, or action. I’ve experienced her moral high ground personally, and I can tell you it serves her well in her pursuit of problem solving and community building. 

On top of all that she does in Augusta, Holly voluntarily and routinely lists our local job opportunities on her social media sites. This is the kind of person we need most in all levels of government right now - a person who cares, who offers hope, who innovates, who works well with others. We’re fortunate to have her! Please join me in voting to re-elect our Rep. Holly Stover.

Paula Arsenault

Boothbay