Letter to the editor: Kathleen Meil is thoughtful, honest, straightforward

Mon, 10/24/2016 - 3:00pm

Like many voters, I look carefully at candidates and their positions before I make my decision. I never assume that one political party will automatically get my support, and through the years, I've voted for Maine Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.

This year, I'm voting for Kathleen Meil for State Representative. Kathleen is a Democrat, but more importantly, she's thoughtful, honest, and straightforward about what she thinks. She clearly and consistently outlines her policy positions online, in person, and in candidate forums. She takes the time to listen to all points of view, even from those who don't plan to vote for her. It's easy to imagine Kathleen working with her fellow House members, regardless of party affiliation, to represent our community well in Augusta and get the work done.

At last count, the Maine House of Representatives consisted of 151 members: 78 Democrats, 69 Republicans, 3 independents and 1 unenrolled. It sounds good to say you are an independent but what does that really mean? Though much of the work of the Maine House of Representatives is done in caucuses, and though Independents often choose to caucus with one party or the other, Kathleen's opponent has said that he would not caucus with either. What would he expect to get done? Does he expect to get appointed to a committee? Or does he plan to go to Augusta as a lone ranger?

This year, I'm voting for the candidate with clear positions and a clear path to effective leadership: Kathleen Meil.

Karin Leuthy lives in Camden