Dear Editor:

Wayne Farrin, a licensed real estate agent since 1988, knows about housing shortages in Lincoln County and will bring his background and expertise to fix the problem if elected to represent District 47 (Alna, Jefferson, Whitefield and Wiscasset) on Nov. 5. He is a Democrat running against the Republican incumbent Edward J. Polewarczyk.

At several campaign events recently, Farrin has stressed the importance of finding a way to help first-time home buyers into the housing market. An idea he has often mentioned is for developers to build one bedroom expandable capes, with only the first floor finished, to lower the costs, but with the possibility of the home owner expanding the upstairs later when the need arises. If elected, he promises to bring this idea to the legislature.

Farrin is filled with good, achievable and practical ideas. For example, he saw the potential in the vacant building in Jefferson village that had been the site of a market that had gone out of business. He bought it and created not only a new market but also a gathering place for local residents, something the town badly needed. The remodeling added windows, a new deck and kitchen and in 2021 he and his family opened the Jefferson Market and General Store. It contains a grocery store and a restaurant, run by his wife Lynn and son Caleb. The restaurant serves made-to-order home cooked meals and has become popular in the area.

To keep Maine’s towns alive, Farrin says, “we must rebuild Main Street and support the local businesses that keep this county afloat.”

For his good, practical sense, and his accomplishments, of which there are many, I will be voting for Wayne on Nov. 5, and urge you to do the same.

Wendy Ross

Wiscasset