I thank the people of Auburn, Poland, Minot, Mechanic Falls and my family hometown of New Gloucester for putting their faith and confidence in me to represent them in the Maine Senate.

Following the election, Sen. John Cleveland reached out to congratulate me. He has been a class act and a respectable public servant. I would be happy to work with him in the future.

Moving forward, I hope to work with the entire Androscoggin County delegation — Republicans and Democrats — to create a bipartisan, unified force that will make our community a priority in Augusta.

It is time to begin work on common-sense welfare reform, bringing new jobs to this state, lowering energy costs and restoring Maine’s future.

As a first-time senator, I know that cloture (the last day to sponsor bills) will come in mid-December. I welcome any and all input on legislation my constituents would like me to sponsor.

I take my responsibility very seriously to all the people I represent, not only the ones who voted for me. The election is over. I look forward to the real work beginning in Augusta.

Again, I thank everyone for their confidence. Now it is time to restore Maine’s future.

Eric Brakey, Auburn

State Senator-elect, District 20