Linda Nelson, Economic & Community Development Director, Town of Stonington
This week marks the two-year anniversary of the unusual winter storms that wreaked havoc and cost both lives and livelihoods throughout Maine—and especially here in Stonington, Maine’s busiest lobster port. As we reflect on what was lost and what has been rebuilt and at what cost, we should also think about the leadership Maine needs in the years ahead.
I have known Hannah Pingree for more than 20 years. I first met her when she was my state representative in the Legislature. From the beginning, her leadership stood out. She was a young woman in a male-dominated political system. She listened carefully. She asked good questions. And she followed through.
Over the years, I have seen Hannah work with people from all walks of life and all sides of the aisle— because results matter to Hannah. She respects local voices and understands how state decisions affect real communities. She has a unique ability to listen and take action with what she’s learned. That has always mattered to me.
More recently, I worked closely with Hannah when I co-chaired the Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission created by Governor Mills. This work came after those severe winter storms two years ago that caused major flooding and destroyed many of Maine’s piers. Those storms terribly disrupted livelihoods and threatened the future of our working waterfronts.
Hannah approached storm recovery with urgency and care. She understood that rebuilding infrastructure is about more than roads and piers. It is about people, jobs, and community stability. She brought together state leaders, local officials, and experts to find solutions that were practical and forward-looking.
I have worked on economic and community development issues in Stonington for more than 25 years. I work with and serve people of every political stripe and see every day how important strong state partnership is for rural Maine. We need a governor, regardless of party affiliation, who listens, understands local needs, and knows how to get things done.
Hannah Pingree has proven she can do that. I strongly support her campaign for governor.
