This guest column, written by Steve Crouse was originally published in the Bangor Daily News.
Maine’s students need a governor who has sat in their classrooms, cheered at their games and fights for their futures. I believe that person is former Speaker of the Maine House Hannah Pingree.
As government relations director for the Maine Education Association, I saw her commitment to public education up close. She never wavered.
Her legislative record speaks for itself. She fought for increased school funding, higher teacher pay and a free school breakfast so every child has a better chance to succeed. She earned a 100% voting record with the MEA and was recognized as a “Friend of Education.”
As a former state representative from Aroostook County and a lobbyist for Maine educators, I spent 29 years at the State House. There are two legislators that stand out to me as true believers in public education. They are Libby Mitchell and Hannah Pingree.
I also watched Hannah navigate the painful school consolidation debates. As House majority leader, she brought teachers, administrators and community leaders to the table. She found practical solutions. She protected rural schools while addressing real fiscal pressures.
There are many worthy candidates in this Democratic primary. The difference is Hannah Pingree has spent her life proving that strong public schools are the foundation of opportunity in Maine — not as a slogan, but as a conviction she has acted on again and again.
I ask that you join me and to vote for Hannah Pingree for governor.
