We urge voters in Camden, Rockport and Isleboro (District 94) to re-elect Rep. Joan Welsh to the Maine Legislature.

In her six years of service as our representative, Joan Welsh has been a voice of reason, collaboration, civil discourse and real accomplishment at the State House. Joan listens, considers all views, and weighs them against her own strong values and her constituents' wishes. As a result, she has risen above bitter partisanship to do good work. For example, Joan helped preserve state revenue sharing so local property taxes wouldn't escalate further. She pushed for elementary, secondary and higher education funding because it leads to jobs and is our responsibility to the next generation. She worked hard to defend our natural resources and environment against partisan attack. Joan's record of accomplishment for the environment earned her a 100 percent approval rating from the Maine League of Conservation Voters.

Looking ahead, Joan has said she plans to continue these priorities, and also work for the expansion of Medicaid to 70,000 Maine citizens and other programs to help seniors, especially those with low incomes. She targets improvements in Maine's economy as critical for all citizens, especially the younger generation, whom we want to keep here in Maine for their careers. These are important priorities for the Legislature.

Many of us are fed up with politics and politicians. But being fed up won't change anything. Voting to re-elect Rep. Joan Welsh can make a difference in the tone of political debate and that, in turn, can determine what laws get passed. We urge friends and neighbors in Camden, Rockport and Isleboro to keep Joan Welsh representing us in the Legislature.

Dan Cheever and Sue Stasiowski live in Camden