As the political season heats up both nationally and locally, I’d like to commend Lake Region Television for its efforts to provide information to the citizens of the Lake Region. I refer particularly to the District 13 Senate Race between Democratic candidate Lisa Villa and incumbent Republican David Hastings.

I can’t help but be impressed with Villa as it relates to her personal concerns for the citizens most in need of an advocate in this time of economic uncertainty. As a single mother with a child in the local school system, and a member of the “sandwich” generation, she has been able to balance multiple duties of raising children and fighting the health care system to provide for her ailing mother. If anyone knows the concerns of the youth and senior citizens of this area, it is certainly Villa.

Those concerns have been translated into action. Her ongoing efforts to provide a transportation system as a result of her work to obtain Community Development Block Grant. This grant is to be used to assist seniors and others affected by the ridiculous escalation of energy costs to have a means of transport throughout the Lake Region to Portland. While not yet realized, her ongoing efforts in getting the cooperation and funding of the towns involved will someday be realized. This would be a direct result of her relentless efforts.

She has also been instrumental in strategies to share regional municipal services, including emergency management and local health officer services, saving thousands of taxpayer dollars. In addition, she is a founding member of the Bridgton/Harrison Fuel Collaborative which has helped local families heath their homes last winter.

These are not remote concerns on her part. She has experienced much of the struggles many are currently going through to live from paycheck to paycheck, living in fear of a major personal crisis. These experiences have left an indelible mark on her life that has resulted in her commitment to others, to be an advocate of those less fortunate, who have no one to turn to.

She is a leader who not only has answers to many of the problems we in District 13 confront every day, but also has a personal compassion. Who better to confront those problems of energy, health care, transportation, education and business acumen to bring jobs to our area. Who better than a Maine leader, who continues to fight for the taxpayer as the vice-chairwoman of the Harrison Select Board, continually challenging the “way things are” and looking to answers for the “way things ought to be.” She has fearlessly fought for the rights of the citizens of Harrison to the aggravation of many who feel if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.

Too many things are broken here in the state of Maine for anyone to sit back and accept our fate. Who better than a Maine leader, who continues to advocate the end to State funding programs that don’t work. Who better than a Maine leader, with an eye to preserving Maine’s unique history and character, while promoting and supporting Maine agriculture and “Made-in-Maine” products.

As a senior citizen, living on a fixed income, I want Lisa Villa to advocate and fight for me against the interest groups and empire builders in the State Capital.

While we all may be focused on the national political stage, don’t forget the impact our local leaders can have on our lives here in Maine. I urge you to put aside party affiliation and as responsible voters, give your trust, confidence and vote for Lisa Villa as our District 13 State Senator. Vote for a real mover and shaker.

Bill Felts

Bridgton