Dear Editor:

Few would deny the lack of affordable housing here in Lincoln County and the worry it brings.

We love this place, but even if we are fortunate enough to have housing ourselves, what about our children, grandchildren, employees, friends? The comforts of home should be obtainable to more than the rich.

Senator Cameron Reny, a lifelong resident of Lincoln County, understands our values and is working hard to make housing more affordable for regular people. She sponsored and helped pass LD724, which expands workforce housing in rural Maine and prevents existing affordable housing from being sold to the highest bidder over municipal interests. She will help protect tenants of mobile housing parks from the greed of new corporate ownership and support accessibility upgrades so seniors can safely age in place.

And, yet, affordable housing will only go so far. The storms of last winter and spring have opened many people’s eyes to the perils of climate change. Our elected officials should not waste any more time hemming and hawing about whether it is real. We all can envision what the future may bring to our fisheries, agriculture, tourism sector, and, yes, our homes. It will take clear-eyed planning and strategic collaboration to help address the challenges ahead. 

Senator Reny will get to work now to protect our region and way of life. I strongly urge you to do your part and vote for Senator Reny this November. She understands the value of home and the need for shelter from the storm.

Eliza Anderson

Edgecomb