As our current elected officials foster immoral acts, engage in and promote violence against those in opposition, are blatantly corrupt, impulsively start foreign wars and admire dictators, we need to retain and appreciate those who truly believe and act in public service.

Chip Curry is a genuine public servant. He has served the people of Waldo County for six years.  He has demonstrated a measured, reasonable, undramatic approach to government and a willingness to work with others who are truly wanting to support Mainers. He is not vengeful or inflexible. Caring and compassionate, he explained to me once that people working against an issue I was passionate about had “a different world view”, and were not necessarily out to control or dominate. I though this was generous and wise.

The issue was reproductive rights.  The balance of those in the State Government who want to end abortion access in Maine and those who seek to maintain it is very close, and unfortunately, is almost exclusively along party lines, Republicans voting anti-abortion, Democrats voting to keep it safe and legal. If you care about women, keeping a Democratic majority is crucial. Chip has worked consistently to support women in his time in the legislature and will continue to do so.

In over 20 states in our country, judges and state legislators have enacted laws that legally control how many times a woman gives birth. By banning or limiting abortion, this is what happens. State legislators and judges decide a woman’s birth history. This is unacceptable to a clear majority of Mainers.

Chip Curry defends a woman’s right to decide their reproductive experiences.

While this issue is crucial to me,  Chip’s priority is housing, economic development, public safety and criminal justice. Chip is on these committee’s as well as other administrative ones. He is a hard worker who follows through on constituents requests. He “walks the talk” and acts on his beliefs in his work outside the State house as an advocate for community college students at the University of Maine campus in Rockland.

Keep Chip in State Government so he can keep working for us.

Lisa Kushner lives in Belfast