Dear Editor:

Thank you to the voters of Arrowsic, Dresden, Georgetown, Phippsburg, a small part of Richmond and my own town of Woolwich for giving me the honor and huge responsibility of representing you in Augusta. Regardless of whether you voted for me, I am here to support and advocate for all of you. I imagine this job will be a challenge, and I’d like to thank my opponent for his service to our district.

I began this in January because I wanted to make a positive difference and I believe in Maine and her people. Since then, I knocked on over 4000 doors and I’ve been inspired by the people I’ve met, such as the woman who juggles work, child care, and health responsibilities in her household without a lot of resources – and she also volunteers at the church, cares for her neighbors, and coaches soccer.  I’m also inspired by the former student who, thanks to state assistance, now has a college degree and can raise her family – “I believe in pulling yourself up by your bootstraps,” she said, “but first you need boots.” I’m inspired by the older man who worked two jobs so he could stay in his home.

I’m proud of the campaign I’ve run and the responses I’ve received both before and since the election. I ran a positive and inclusive and accessible campaign, worked hard to engage people where they lived, and no matter how long the conversation, we focused on the issues that mattered to them, and their hopes for the future. I am grateful for their honesty.

Because of those conversations, I am excited about the next two years. I intend to serve in the legislature the same way I ran my campaign, with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to solutions. Please reach out with anything I can help you with.

Allison Hepler

Woolwich