This guest column, written by David Webster, a retired Maine State Representative, was originally published in Central Maine.
I served with Hannah Pingree in the Maine Legislature. Hannah Pingree should be Maine’s next governor.
I don’t have a close personal relationship with Hannah. That is not what my decision is about, nor should it be. Since I served, I have heard regularly from people who know how things work, or don’t work, in Augusta. Hannah’s skills: Making things work and getting things done are well known.
I have also worked with, or know the work of, other candidates for governor. We should admire and respect what each has done for us. However, when choosing a governor, one must go beyond admiration and consider experience, performance, values and smarts.
Hannah has built the skills to be governor; rising level by level in the Legislature, raising a family, running a business, being a leader in her community and, importantly, returning to Augusta to lead as one of Maine’s highest-level policy leaders. She is ready.
Hannah stands out as my clear choice for my family, our community and Maine’s future.
I have watched her care about people, lead with values and toughness on tough issues and earn the respect of people on both sides of many issues with her skills and insight. Hannah has deep experience in making Maine’s government work with, and for, Maine people.
Having long thought Hannah should run for governor, I have followed her journey and watched to see if I should change my mind. I have not.
