I live in the beautiful town of Jackson. There is a calm and natural beauty here that, like all nearby communities, belies much struggle and poverty. Many people here do not have good economic opportunities or affordable access to housing, medication and other basic needs.

And yet Ben Hymes, the incumbent for Maine House District 38, which includes Jackson, Brooks, Thorndike, Unity, Monroe, Waldo, Knox, and western Frankfort, voted NO on increasing access to energy saving rebates and grants; NO on income and corporate tax fairness; NO on reforming the juvenile incarceration system which holds back too many of our young people; NO on keeping prescription drugs affordable; NO on fair wages for construction workers on state projects, paid family medical leave, and other worker protections, including increasing Maine’s minimum wage; and NO on measures to preserve and improve women’s health care.

We have a better option: Steve Ellis. In driving around Jackson recently with Steve, I heard heartbreaking stories from neighbors who are just scraping by. Steve listened kindly and patiently to all he met.

Steve is committed to fighting for fairer taxes, better housing, measures to protect our beautiful countryside, healthcare, and good jobs with fair wages. He will vote YES on legislation that looks out for the interests of most of us, not just big business and the wealthy.

I encourage Jackson and neighboring residents to vote for Steve Ellis. He is the best choice for our area.