Dear Editor:

A big decision for District 89!

2020 has become a year we would all like to forget. The pandemic has everyone on edge, businesses are on the brink, and the political environment is pitting friends against friends. As a community I was born and raised in, I am so saddened to see what has happened over the past few years.

We as a community have the power to change that. We have two amazing candidates for representative for District 89. Stephanie Hawke, who served us so well for two terms and was (and still is) a fantastic advocate for all of her constituents; and Holly Stover, who has always been a champion for those addicted and the less fortunate of our community. I have known both these women for many years and it really is no secret that Holly came to my aid when my former husband spiraled out of control due to his addiction. If it were not for her connections and the resources Holly had that situation most certainly would have ended in tragedy.

Stephanie, as a local business owner, understands the needs of the business owners, employees, and taxpayers of our community. She is a thoughtful legislator that weighs the fiscal responsibilities of the state against the needs of the less fortunate. We all have to pay our bills and let’s face it; the state of Maine needs to tighten the belt after the past couple of years of spend, spend, spend.

I genuinely believe our community needs Holly back in the capacity she excels in so well. As a legislator, Holly has become less of an advocate for our community and less accessible to those that have always been the most vulnerable. This is not a vote against Holly. This is a vote for the town and getting her back to what she does best.

My vote for District 89 will be for Stephanie Hawke but it is also a vote for Boothbay Harbor and Holly Stover.

Jennie Mitchell

Boothbay Harbor