To the editor:

As our election draws closer, I wanted to take the time to write a letter on behalf of Mike Ray, candidate for State Representative for Appleton, Islesboro, Liberty, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill, and Searsmont. I believe Mike will the best person to serve our communities as our District #40 representative in Augusta.

For the past several years Paige Zeigler has worked for our district as a concerned and active legislator. Often out in these communities, Paige was present for his constituents, listening and learning and then responding to our expressed needs. I am sorry that he will retire but am heartened there is someone running for this seat who will represent our communities with the same kind of commitment that Representative Zeigler has. Mike Ray has been actively running for this office with the commitment, accessibility and vigor that I had come to value so much in Paige’s service.

I believe Mike Ray will be an exemplary legislator who will work earnestly on behalf of the people he represents. He brings a wealth of valuable and varied experience to this post including years as an elected Selectman for the town of Lincolnville, membership on a variety of boards, councils, committees and commissions, both local and state, working on behalf of residents in this district, and a wide and diverse work experience, all serving to inform his ability to legislate effectively for our district. He is familiar with the state and knows the unique challenges that this district in mid-coast Maine, coastal, inland and island areas, face.

Mike has a caring heart and the patience to actively listen to the needs and desires of his community. I hope he will be elected to this post of State Representative because it will continue District #40’s strong representation in Augusta.

Cheryl Wienges
Lincolnville