I’m delighted to announce that I’m running for re-election to be your representative in the Maine State Legislature. I’m running again because I believe in the power of people to work together to improve the lives of all Mainers. I’m running again because I believe that listening to people in our communities is the most important thing I can do. And I’m running again because I believe in our ability to create a place where we can all help each other be our best selves, for today and for the future. Mainers are that good.

I’ll be honest. I didn’t run for office hoping I’d be the one to help people navigate the bewildering world of COVID-19. It’s been unbelievably hard, and especially so for our health care providers and first responders, our school staff and students, and our front line workers. We’ve worked through every challenge that got thrown at us – and continues to be tossed our way – and I couldn’t be prouder of the communities I’m honored to represent.

In addition to the challenges of the pandemic, I’ve listened to and supported what our residents tell me they need. And I’m proud to say that we’ve been able to make progress on many of these issues: funding public education at 55% for the first time, increased property tax relief, expansion of health care for Mainers, more investment in career training for high school students, improved attention to climate change. Our conversations about these issues and others have informed my perspective and my votes. I will always listen to you.

Finally, as always, the best part of this job is the relationships we’ve built, despite COVID-19, during community events like Woolwich Day and Dresden Summerfest, socially distanced drive-up suppers at the Phippsburg Sportsmen’s Club and the Georgetown Community Center, Bath Heritage Days, community group meetings, school functions, and town meetings. There are also those conversations at the Center Store, at Shaw’s, the YMCA, the Farmers Market, and even the hiking trails in our community. This is what I bring to Augusta every day.

Something new this year: The district I am running to represent has changed due to redistricting. This new district with a new number, 49, still includes the towns of Arrowsic, Georgetown, Phippsburg and Woolwich. However, this year, redistricting has added West Bath and no longer includes Dresden and Richmond. My message to Dresden and Richmond residents is this: I am still your representative and will continue to address your questions and concerns until this term ends in late November. I feel very lucky to have gotten to know all of you, and your wonderful and welcoming community.

My message to West Bath residents: I look forward to getting to know you and your community this year. Armed with my map of Sagadahoc County, I can’t wait to start driving down the roads of West Bath.

Finally, I am running as a Clean Elections candidate, which means that I am gathering $5 donations from people who live in this district. This can be done with cash, by check, or online here: https://www.maine.gov/ethics/candidates/maine-clean-election-act

Please reach out to me at aheplerwoolwich@gmail.com, or (207) 319-4396. I look forward to earning your vote. Thank you.