As a lifelong Republican, I was disappointed to read the comments from Rep. Jeffrey Gifford about my friend Mike Michaud (Aug. 10). Mike has spent his entire career working hard on behalf of those he represents — always seeking out opportunities to strengthen our communities and protect vital services. He has always had our backs, and he has never forgotten where he comes from.

Michaud is happiest when he is at home in Maine, talking with the people who make this state great. And he knows that being a leader and getting things done for Mainers means working together for the common good — he has never been someone beholden to extreme partisanship.

That was most recently illustrated in his leadership role in finalizing a veterans’ reform bill. Michaud was recognized alongside Sen. John McCain as a leader who reached across the aisle to set politics aside and get the job done.

But it’s not just national issues where he shows leadership and produces results. He has a long track record of delivering for his constituents.

Project ARCH is an important example of that. ARCH allows veterans who live in rural areas in Northern Maine to get good health care close to their own homes. Mike brought ARCH to Maine in 2011 after including it in a bill he helped pass in 2008, and he ensured that a renewal of ARCH was included in the new VA law.

He authored the legislation creating the Northern Border Regional Commission and has consistently worked to secure funding for it. As a result, NBRC can give grants to countless Maine businesses — strengthening economic development and our communities.

Michaud understands how important manufacturing is to so many Maine communities. That’s why he’s been a consistent voice for trade policies that elevate American businesses and manufacturers. His leadership on trade and manufacturing is why the Department of Defense recently announced they would begin requiring service members to wear American-made footwear, like New Balance.

And as mills around the state have been forced to lay off workers indefinitely, he has been there to help the displaced workers gain access to the resources, training and assistance they need to re-enter the workforce and find new jobs. He did this most recently just a few days ago, swiftly announcing additional federal aid for mill workers in Millinocket impacted by layoffs.

Mike Michaud is a true Mainer who has never forgotten where he comes from and what it’s like to struggle during difficult economic times.

My Republican friends can try all they want to mislead voters about Mike, but at the end of the day, his record of results demonstrates his commitment to always watching out for Mainers, and never forgetting his roots.

Wakine Tanous Jr., East Millinocket