It has been my privilege to serve the communities of Eddington, Bradley, Clifton, Dedham, Holden and North Brewer as a representative in Augusta. Serving this community as a legislator, EMT-firefighter, registered Maine Guide, high school coach and substitute teacher has put me in touch with many residents. You have told me your desires, fears and expectations on the many issues facing our state. And I have listened.

These have been difficult times, especially for those of us who live in District 20. Unprecedented spikes in energy costs, economic uncertainty and an unstable job market have many Mainers worried that we will not be able to provide for ourselves and our loved ones.

In Augusta, I have fought for our communities and our families. I fought the good fight for comprehensive tax reform. I listened when families in our district wanted to protect school choice and I insisted, successfully, that it be a part of any school consolidation plan.

As a registered Maine Guide and an avid outdoorsman, I am committed to preserving the beauty of our state. A member of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee, I have been an advocate of policies that ensure future development has minimal impact on our landscape and is environmentally sound. I am helping to craft legislation to protect farmers and their valuable land on the Committee to Study the Protection of Farms and Farmland.

I will continue to fight for Maine’s small businesses, long the backbone of the Maine economy. We need solid, high-wage jobs and must create a climate that encourages their development here in our region. Comprehensive tax reform, 21st century infrastructure and a solid education system are the keys. The loss of skilled workers to areas where wages are higher and benefits more comprehensive is crippling our entrepreneurs and small-business owners. Maine’s best exports should not be our people.

These are difficult times for our state and we face difficult choices. But, perhaps the greatest national challenge of our times is finding ways to transition from limited and polluting fossil fuels to clean, sustainable energy. If we work together we can create the technologies and businesses that will help lead the world into this new frontier. Maine is positioned extremely well for this future with a uniquely high level of geothermal, tidal and wind energy potential. I support forward-thinking legislation that will encourage innovation and job creation in this sector of the economy. I have repeatedly supported such legislative efforts, including co-sponsoring a bill (LD 1942) that allows individuals to use geothermal energy to heat their homes.

Maine is renowned for its capable work force and the ingenuity of its residents. If re-elected, I will continue to work for you and to make the tough decisions that will make all of us stronger in the long term. Please give me the opportunity to continue to serve you by voting for me on Nov. 4.

Benjamin Marriner Pratt represents House District 20, which includes the municipalities of Eddington, Bradley, Clifton, Dedham, Holden and part of Brewer. He may be reached at bpratt26@yahoo.com.