Dear Editor:

When it comes to protecting health care for Lincoln County families, our Democratic legislators—Lydia Crafts, Holly Stover, Cameron Reny, Wayne Farrin, and Denise Tepler—have stood strong. They voted to ensure that doctors’ offices stay open, emergency rooms remain staffed, and that children, seniors, and working families don’t lose access to essential care.

But Republicans, including Waldoboro’s Representative Abden Simmons, voted against the funding needed to keep MaineCare afloat. If they get their way, hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics across Lincoln County will be forced to cut services or turn patients away. That means a sick child in Damariscotta waiting too long to see a doctor, an elderly neighbor in Bristol struggling to find care, and an emergency room in Boothbay overwhelmed and underfunded when every second counts.

This is not a partisan issue—it’s about doing the right thing for the people of Lincoln County. Rep. Simmons and other Republicans must look past party allegiance and stand up for their constituents. The Legislature has another chance to fix this crisis. Let’s hope this time, our local Republicans choose their community over politics.

Keith Mestrich, Chair

Lincoln County Democratic Committee