Waldo County's current Senator, Erin Herbig of Belfast, has had a successful decade in Augusta because she is smart, conscientious, energetic and fair. Erin has, of course, become Belfast's city manager and is not seeking re-election. So it makes sense that she be replaced by a candidate who is smart, conscientious, energetic and fair. And creative to boot.

Chip Curry is my choice. I have known him for a few years and enjoyed his ruminations on life and politics after hard-fought tennis matches. I've watched him perform on stage for the Belfast Maskers and listened to him describe his work with non-traditional students at the Rockland campus of UMaine.

I've researched his website and followed his campaign and I like what I see.

The Maine Legislature needs people with strong values and transforming life experiences. There is so much to accomplish in Augusta – expanding education opportunities and broadband access, recognizing the increasing diversity of our population and mking the newcoomers welcome, restoring justice to our court system.

Chip is on top of these and other issues. We will all benefit from the good, hard work he will do at the Statehouse.

Jay Davis lives in Belfast