As a small-business owner in the state of Maine for nearly 20 years, Gary Friedmann has a “hands-on” perspective that makes him uniquely qualified to represent District 35 in the State House.

I worked closely with Gary for three years. I watched him struggle to provide his employees with a robust health care plan that didn’t shift costs to employees, while dealing with double-digit premium increases year after year. Gary worked to keep his employees’ salaries high and competitive, while keeping his fee structure low for his clients, the deserving nonprofit sector of Maine, particularly land trusts and public libraries.

Gary struggled with state regulation and oversight which is overly complex, meddlesome and antiquated, all the while thinking of potential innovative solutions for Maine’s small businesses.

With his strong belief in responsive and collaborative government, Gary Friedmann is poised to work for economic solutions that will build strong communities with locally owned businesses. I know firsthand that he can make this happen.

If you are a small-business owner in District 35 or you know someone who is employed by a small business, please cast your vote for Gary Friedmann. His finely honed skill set will be valuable in moving our beloved state forward in 2008 and beyond during these critically important times.

Terry J. Dubois

Milford