Dear Editor:

My late father-in-law had a saying. “Perfection is the thief of progress.” I think of Merritt when I hear candidates express utopian visions for the future. 

We need elected officials who fight for both the ideal and the pragmatic. People with a positive vision for the future who understand you can’t wave a magic wand to get there.

It’s hard work: Listening. Acting. 

You notch a victory here and there and always keep your eyes on the prize. 

Sen. Cameron Reny personifies this approach. She introduced bills to improve healthcare and make insurance companies more responsible to Mainers. She recognizes the un-affordability of housing and has shepherded bills that will address affordability head-on. Her time in the trenches of public education is an asset -- she gathers disparate groups at the table and builds consensus and momentum. 

A pragmatic progressive.

Let’s send Sen. Cameron Reny back to Augusta on Nov. 5. 

Geoff Bates

South Bristol