I am a practicing neurologist and I am an independent voter. Services provided through numerous federal programs are important to my patients with problems such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. I have visited our representatives in Washington to encourage them to support legislation important to my patients.

I have met with Sen. Susan Collins on a number of occasions. She has listened carefully to my concerns. She has actively supported services for my patients and in fact has taken a proactive role in sponsoring beneficial legislation. A recent example is the legislation directing better care for returning veterans with head injuries through the Veterans Administration. She has consistently demonstrated a concern for her constituents on many similar issues. Her efforts are typically bipartisan and often very effective. Another example is her support for seniors with her vote in favor of the recent Medicare bill.

The current polarized political climate in Washington distracts from, if not sabotages, the very reason that our representatives are in Washington. Their role is to represent and care for their constituents and to address major domestic and international issues confronting this nation. Given my experience, the choice in November is clear. If you are interested in voting for a candidate who is truly concerned about the residents of Maine and who is one of the few moderates in Congress trying to overcome the logjam created by political polarization, I strongly urge you to vote for and support Sen. Susan Collins.

Bruce Sigsbee

Appleton