To the Editor:

I am a mother of teenage boys who want to discuss the questions that come up in their political science and journalism classes during this election season.

At first, they wanted quick answers to homework questions, but now they seem to really want to understand what is going on. My political beliefs, and my ability to intelligently explain them to impressionable future voters, are under intense scrutiny these days.

When you first attempt to explain a complex political or economic concept to your teenager, who has the attention span of a gnat, it seems easier to pass that Q & A session back to the teacher.

Then you realize this type of education, like learning about sex, is about values and will determine the type of person your child will be and how they choose to live their lives.

Forming opinions about the issues in our society these days helps kids to identify their character and that is a great self-assessment tool when learning to be responsible adults.

Using a positive role model to explain an issue or promoting a position has helped immensely in our discussions and it is Seth Berry, our representative for Bowdoinham, who is mentioned often.

My sons have grown up around Seth and recognize that he is a dedicated teacher, a great dad, devoted community supporter and distinguished state representative. I’ll tell them that Mr. Berry feels this way about teachers and education or he has voted that way on taxes for people in our state and they really grasp the impact of those issues. They know Seth Berry stands for doing the right thing and taking care of the people and communities he represents.

When you put a face and name to an issue, kids will understand. We all understand that, when Seth Berry is representing us, he is working to guarantee our lives and the lives of our children will be better.

That is why I will vote for him, again, this November and my kids promise to do the same when their time comes.

Lara Pertel-Ashouwak
Bowdoinham