I’ll be among the voters in Belfast, Belmont, and Northport proudly casting my ballot this year to send Rep. Jan Dodge back to the Maine House of Representatives, while shedding a tear that she will term out in 2026.

Rep. Dodge must be one of the hardest working representatives in the Legislature. I’ve seen her at local meetings and events, where she listens, asks questions, and – on request – will offer her knowledge and experience. 

I’ve heard from neighbors about how responsive she’s been to their needs and concerns.

 I’ve been amazed by her activism on the legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee and the dozens of critical bills she has sponsored on many topics, such as retirement benefits for state employees and teachers; the safety and comfort of residents in long term care facilities; care for abandoned animals; accessibility to communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients; and increasing property tax exemptions for veterans. It’s clear she cares about other people and she does something about it!

Finally, since my parents were music teachers, I have a special appreciation for Rep. Dodge’s 30 years teaching music in public schools and the fact that her mom was also a teacher. I love that she lives and serves in the community where she grew up.

I hope that every constituent in Belfast, Belmont and Northport will vote to send her back to the Legislature with a resounding mandate to continue working on our behalf! 

Valerie Tate lives in Belfast