Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting with Sen. John Cleveland at the New Gloucester Fire Department’s annual chicken barbecue. We had a most interesting discussion about energy needs for this area. I was impressed with his far-reaching knowledge of many of the issues surrounding that vital topic. We talked of present energy needs of the state as well as alternative energy possibilities for the future.

I also admired his knowledge of many of the issues around education. He shares my concerns about the state budget backing away from the law requiring the state to supply 55 percent of the money for schools and other fiscal moves by Gov. Paul LePage that has had a negative impact on local property taxes.

I respect the work that John Cleveland has done in the Senate in the past and strongly support his candidacy for another term in the Senate.

Laura Sturgis, New Gloucester