John Krueger could not have been any further off base in his criticism of Senate President Mike Thibodeau in his letter to the Editor ("Trash talk in Newport" June 16, 2016). In fact, reading it, one really wonders if Krueger was actually in the audience.

First, Krueger expresses concern that the moderator of the Northport Annual Meeting introduced the senate president as "someone compared to Paul LePage and Donald Trump." It was clear to everyone present (with the possible exception of Krueger) that the moderator, who has a history of friendly banter with Thibodeau, was joking!

Anyone who knows anything about Mike Thibodeau can tell you that he is, first and foremost, concerned about the people he represents in Waldo County. During the previous legislative session he fought to keep the state revenue sharing program intact in order to keep local property taxes low.

He has been a tireless advocate for business expansion in Waldo County and the entire state of Maine. He led the way in increasing funding for nursing homes, and to combat the heroin crisis by putting more law enforcement on the streets and expanding treatment for addicts. Senate President Michael Thibodeau is a proven leader, and we are very fortunate to have him representing us in Augusta.

It becomes clear at the end of Krueger's letter that it's nothing more than a partisan appeal for votes. But as a member of the Senate President's staff, and as a woman, I can tell you that Mike Thibodeau makes everyone who works for him feel appreciated, valued and most of all, proud!

Dorothy Havey is special assistant, constituent services, in the Office of the Senate President