State Sen. Eric Brakey knows that government doesn’t create jobs. People create jobs. That is why he has been working to empower people by lowering taxes, cutting red tape, reforming welfare and getting government out of the way.

Maine is one of the most taxed states in the nation, with one out of every $10 earned taken by state and local government (according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation). With such a high tax burden, is it any wonder Maine has such difficulty attracting investment, creating jobs and keeping young people?

Sen. Brakey has been a relentless advocate for empowering people, not government. That is the key to creating economic opportunity for all Maine people, and I am proud to have Sen. Brakey fighting for Maine residents.

I am voting this November to re-elect Eric Brakey for Maine Senate, representing Mechanic Falls, Auburn, New Gloucester, Poland and Minot.

Mark Elliott, Mechanic Falls