This guest column, written by Steve Cartwright, was originally published in the Penobscot Bay Pilot.
As a freelance journalist years ago, I interviewed Chellie Pingree in my kitchen. She was considering a run for governor, but instead won a Congressional seat, and is now representing our state in her ninth term. The other day she said she has a favorite in the race for Maine’s top job: Her daughter Hannah.
I’ve admired Hannah Pingree for decades. I remember her helping her mom on the campaign trail, and I remember her rising to be Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, only the second woman to hold that post, and the youngest speaker in the state’s history. She was first elected to represent the islands in Maine’s District 36 at the age of 26, and won re-election to three more terms.
Hannah is a Democrat, but no party hack. She will listen and respect people of all political and personal persuasions. She will be the governor of all of us: indigenous, Somali, gay and straight, Republican and Independent, young and old, native-born and from away. Hannah grew up on North Haven island, and knows first-hand the value of community, and how it defines our quality of life. She knows that people need health care and housing, and that those things should not be limited to those with enough money. They should be a human right.
Hannah is experienced, skilled and articulate. She also steers clear of corporate coziness, unafraid to challenge big business on behalf of Maine people. She did just that when she testified in Washington about toxic flame retardants, calling for sronger rules. She has co-chaired the Maine Climate Council and recently served as director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.
Hannah cares about a our environment and how we can map the path ahead. On the personal side, she is a wife and mom, living on North Haven. It’s where she ran the family lodge and restaurant, and where she raised funds for a new public school, a community center, affordable housing. One thing I know about Hannah that is as important as anything else. It’s not her obvious humility, or her gentle sense of humor. It’s heart. She believes in us, and I believe in her.
