Recently, I drove Elijah Breton, candidate for state representative, through many New Gloucester neighborhoods to talk with local residents.

What struck me, besides the fact that I myself had never visited parts of my town, was the willingness of Breton to do so, and to engage people on issues of direct concern to them — at their own front doors.

It was evident, by road signs alone, that Breton’s opponent similarly reaches out, knows our community, has the trust of many, and is aware of local interests.

But, let’s not forget the other interests his opponent may represent — by acceptance, through her leadership PAC, of out-of-state contributions from individuals, companies like Monsanto, pharmaceutical, tobacco and other decidedly special interests. What do they get for their contributions?

Local interests should be represented by local candidates.

I support Elijah Breton for state representative, District 65, Poland and New Gloucester.

Douglas Smith, New Gloucester