I am your neighbor; I have knocked on your door. If I caught you at home when I came by, we may have talked about health care, property taxes and the cost of fuel or the number of students who now attend Bangor schools. You may know me through my years of constituent service work on behalf of U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, or perhaps you know me because I went to school with you or your son or daughter at Mary Snow, Fruit Street, Garland Street (William S. Cohen), Bangor High School or at the University of Maine. Maybe you know me through my volunteer work or perhaps you know a member of my family through their involvement in our community. I want to be your state representative for District 17 in Bangor.

This is a critical time for us in Bangor and for all Mainers. We see the effects of increased housing, gas, heating oil, milk, bread, and utility costs. We watch as our nation teeters on the verge of economic disaster and then pulls back only to teeter some more. What does all of this mean for Maine families?

To some extent, these uncertain times call for all of us, no matter who we are, to demand representation in Augusta that can work to carefully and deliberately steer our state through this period of shortfalls and uncertainties into better economic times while minimizing the pressure placed on Maine residents and businesses.

Gov. John Baldacci has determined that there will be budget cuts in the coming session. As municipalities struggle with increased burdens shifted to them through reductions in state aid, we need legislators who will work to ease the pain felt by towns and residents while the ever-decreasing revenue stream is further strained.

Bangor schools, businesses and residents need someone in Augusta who understands the demands they face and is willing to work with both sides of the aisle to find reasonable solutions. I want to be the person you send to Augusta to do this very important work.

As a Bangor native and longtime Bangor resident, I believe in the special character that makes Bangor unique. Though a large city by Maine standards (3rd largest in the state) Bangor has small-town appeal and a neighborhood attitude. Those of us who grew up here know the streets of Bangor as well as the woods, the fields and the streams that converge here.

In Augusta, Bangor needs a person who holds Bangor in her heart but who also sees its role as one of the economic engines of the state, an engine that needs care and fuel and excellent maintenance. Bangor needs a representative who can grapple with the policy choices and fiscal determinations that will affect the state’s economy in the coming years while working to stem the flow of current cuts.

I believe that I am the best person for this job. Between today and Election Day, I hope that we continue to see each other in dooryards, in town, at the grocery store and at the post office. I want to continue to hear from you about what you believe are the most pressing and important issues facing Bangor. I will carry your concerns down to Augusta where, together with the other legislators from our area, we can work to find solutions and improvements that will work for Bangor.

Sara Stevens is the Democratic candidate for House District 17 in Bangor.