I am writing in support of the candidacy of Owen Casas to represent Rockport, Islesboro, and Camden in the Maine Legislature. I have known Mr. Casas and his family for a number of years and, while I consider him a friend, have also been more than impressed with his independent nature, curiosity, intelligence, enthusiasm, and commitment to helping make our community, state, nation, and world a better place.

Although I have been a Democrat for more than 40 years and tend to be more liberal than Mr. Casas on many issues, I am most interested in leaders who make decisions based on the facts rather than ideology, who are open to all points of view and willing to change their own views if the evidence warrants it, and who understand that an essential element of democracy is compromise for the greater good.

I believe this describes Mr. Casas. He will have my vote on Election Day and I encourage you to support him as well.

Hartwell Dowling lives in Rockport