I am pleased to write this letter of support for Tim Driscoll in his bid for re-election to the Maine State Legislature. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Tim when he served for many years on the Westbrook School Committee. I saw first-hand his tireless advocacy for students and know that he continues this now in a broader way in the Maine Legislature.

Shortly after the tragic drowning of a toddler in a Westbrook child care facility, Tim Driscoll, as our state representative, set out to understand what standards were in place for the safety of our children utilizing swimming pools in child care facilities within Maine. There were none.

After performing exhaustive research of all 50 states, meeting with experts in the field, day care owners, as well as state officials responsible for oversight of these facilities, Tim sponsored LD 1880, a comprehensive water safety bill, providing for guidance and direction to all day care facility owners in the state. It was signed into law by the governor on June 4, 2007. All of Maine’s children will be safer due to the enactment of this important piece of legislation.

During the second session of the 123rd Legislature, the government was faced with a $190 million shortfall due to a softening economy, and was presented with the governor’s curtailment order, suggesting cuts to many programs, some essential to the livelihood of our seniors. One such program suggested to be eliminated was the Independent Housing Services Program at Larrabee Village. As a registered nurse, Tim understood that the elimination of this program could have actually cost the state more because of some residents having to go to nursing care facilities. And as important, it would have been devastating to our seniors who relied on the services provided through this program to maintain their independence, their dignity and their” home.”

Tim met with the residents at Larrabee Village and again, proudly stood with them in Augusta and testified before the Appropriations Committee as to the importance of this program. The funding was reinstated and the program continues to this day.

And finally, Tim has served on the Labor Committee for the past four years – a committee that in the past was known for its partisanship and contentious demeanor. Tim’s goal at the outset was to assist in changing the culture to one of cooperation and collaboration. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce, in its 2008 Final Summary Edition of their newsletter, IMPACT, had this to say about the Labor Committee and its performance: “The overall accomplishments of the committee during these past two years should be looked upon as somewhat of a milestone…and hopefully a model for future committees to follow. Certainly it has set the bar high for lawmakers in the 124th Legislature.”

Tim would like to continue to serve on the committee in the 124th Legislature.

These are just a few examples of why I will be voting for Tim Driscoll to continue to work on behalf of all residents. Please be sure to vote on Nov. 4.

Colleen Hilton

64 Berkeley Street

Westbrook, Me