Dear Editor:

Rep. Holly Stover is a perfect example of government of the people, by the people and for the people. Holly is ‘of the people’ raised here with deep roots in the region; she is ‘by the people’ having been elected three times to the legislature; and she is ‘for the people’ a consummate advocate in every bit of work she does as a legislator, nonprofit director, volunteer, church member and community leader.   

This is Part 2 of my research into the statements her opponent made in a recent LTE and because I included explanations and sources it could not fit them in one LTE.  

“>30% property tax increase in Edgecomb” Maine is a local control state; property taxes are set by the town. In 2022 Gov. Mills and the legislature were the first to provide the 55% of the cost of education in the budget (https://www.msmaweb.com/article/720258) and returned to municipalities the State Revenue Sharing that Gov. Lepage had eliminated. (https://www.wmtw.com/article/mayors-thank-lawmakers-for-restoring-revenue-sharing-cuts/2001064) Is Mr. Hunt suggesting that the state take over municipal budgets?  

“she voted to repeal the Property Tax Stabilization Program for people over 65” This bill had no income limits and would have provided millionaires with a property tax cap funded by state taxes. It was repealed and replaced by a targeted program for residents in need of property tax relief.  Is Mr. Hunt suggesting that Maine working people pay for property tax breaks for millionaires? https://www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/tax-relief-credits-programs/property-tax-relief-programs  

  “Even before deciding to run, I went to Augusta and successfully got a change to the Permit By Rule law to allow piers to be raised by up to 48" without having to go through the massive permitting process.”   

Mr. Hunt implies that he initiated the change in law. What I found was that LD 2030 was submitted on Dec. 13, 2023 by DEP. The Jan. 10, 2024 Public Hearing summary did not include a record of Mr. Hunt's hearing comments, but I am sure they were helpful. And while I commend Mr. Hunt's attention to the issue, there is a significant difference between walking down a path and insinuating that you blazed the trail. https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?ld=2030&PID=1456&snum=131#   

Re-elect Holly Stover in Dist. 48 -- she is a tremendous asset for the people of her District. She is exactly the representation we need in Augusta.  

Marge (Brewer) Kilkelly 

former member Maine House and Senate Lincoln County