This November many will vote against candidates they fear will end life as we know it. I think life as we know it will end if such anger means our democratic institutions cease to function.

The smarter approach is to elect those who have shown they will do the persistent, hard work to solve problems for Mainers.

Highly regarded as City Council president and mayor, Kristen Cloutier continues her service to Lewiston in the state legislature. While she has a special focus of helping those in most need, her role on the Appropriations Committee has required her to understand the balance and hard choices that must be made to best serve all her constituents.

It is so easy these days to get tied into negative knots. In truth, a better future requires legislators who will work together to find common ground and solutions.

Kirsten Cloutier is such a doer.

Gene Geiger, Lewiston