I am supporting Marie Emerson for state representative. As a former student in Marie’s culinary arts program at Washington County Community College and now an owner of a restaurant in Calais, I would like to share my opinion of Marie Emerson as a state representative for Maine’s smaller towns.

The level of energy and dedication she devotes to her responsibilities as an instructor is evident in the classroom, the various school projects and countless field trips. One field trip included volunteering with Giving Kids the World (a theme park for severely sick or terminally ill children) in Florida, others were to conferences concerning many important political issues.

Her concern for her students and former students greatly surpasses what students would expect from a teacher. I am confident this energy will be given to improve our small towns and communities. During my school year, many of our discussions focused on our economy and what effect it has on small-business owners and what we could do to improve the economy, or how to get more jobs to the towns or small communities that need them most.

As a small-business owner herself, Marie is aware of the challenges business owners face. She is also concerned with how we can use Maine’s natural resources to increase or create new employment opportunities for Maine people.

Marie Emerson is someone who cares and knows firsthand what small-business owners need, and as a small-business owner myself, she has my vote!

Sherry Johnson

Calais