On Nov. 8, I hope the voters in Maine Senate District 18 will join me in casting their ballots for John Patrick. He is running for re-election and truly understands the issues affecting working families.

Sen. Patrick has worked for decades in the paper mill in Rumford under multiple owners. He knows the struggles of workers fighting to feed their families and an industry struggling to stay open in Maine. He is extremely knowledgeable and has served as a legislative representative on Maine’s Citizen Trade Policy Commission, studying the effects of international trade policy on Maine. In that capacity, he has worked to ensure that both the Legislature and the congressional delegation are aware and can act in Maine’s interest.

As my senator, he has always responded to my calls and concerns, and I look forward to having him represent the district’s towns for the next legislative session.

Cynthia Phinney, Livermore Falls