It is with certainty that I stand in support of Chellie Pingree for Congress. Several years ago, as a fledgling superintendent-principal of North Haven Community School, my mettle was immediately tested by a host of district issues. The newly elected school board chairperson, fortunately, happened to be Chellie. Today, she often refers to that elected position as among her first endeavors to participate in public service. In retrospect, it was abundantly clear, even then, that Chellie possessed the wisdom, patience and political will to subsequently serve the people of Maine with great insight, fortitude and compassion.

Since that time on North Haven, 17 years ago, I believe Chellie’s political record and life in public service have continued to be stellar. Her willingness to stand, in an intelligent and informed manner, for matters close to the hearts, health, environment and pocketbooks of Maine folks is clear and has been ably and suitably demonstrated. She does her homework, and, as an educator, that impresses me.

Now, as she endeavors to continue on her path of public service, with ample leadership experience both in Maine and Washington, she definitely is the most electable of candidates for Congress. In particular, her opposition to the war in Iraq, which she made clear when she ran for the U.S. Senate in 2002, currently demonstrates her continued utilization of an intelligent, diplomatic and responsible humanitarian resolution to this senseless war. In a proactive strategy to demonstrate that the best solution is not military, Chellie has again done her homework. With the assistance of retired generals and national security experts, whose solid respect she has earned, Chellie created the Responsible Plan (www.responsibleplan.com).

The plan once again speaks to Chellie’s dedication to ending this sectarian conflict and also demonstrates her skill as a diplomat. Specifically, the Responsible Plan cites the need to: institute restorative public works projects in Iraq; end U.S. contract fraud and abuse, which is currently prolonging the war; and restore constitutional checks and balances, which would prevent further premature rushes to involve this country in yet another needless war. A further and very apparent aspect of this war to most Mainers, after a long winter and exorbitant gas prices, is the direct tie this country has with Iraqi and other world oil supplies.

One doesn’t live very long on an island such as North Haven or any island on earth, for that matter, before realizing that maintaining the delicate balance between and amongst independence, interdependence and diplomacy is a requisite of island residency. Chellie has learned this important lesson well. And, likewise, she has skillfully carried this model lesson off-island for all of us to view and practice.

Beth Henderson, a retired educator, lives in Belfast.