Camden and Rockport have been well served by Rep. Joan Welsh: we will miss her compassion and ability to listen, her strong leadership and her environmental expertise.

Fortunately, local residents have a chance to elect a strong candidate to fill Welsh's seat — Kathleen Meil. Kathleen is smart, energetic and passionate about creating a vibrant economy and healthy environment for Maine.

Clean energy is vital to that mix, and Kathleen's experience and professional expertise in this arena will serve the district well. She understands the importance of taking action to address climate change, lowering energy costs for consumers and generating clean energy here — instead of losing $5 billion per year in fossil fuel payments that leave the state.

Like Joan Welsh, Kathleen is a leader who listens well. We're fortunate to have her running: let's give her our votes in the June 14 primary.

Marina Schauffler lives in Camden