To the Editor:

In response to the recent letter concerning votes I missed (“Saxton failing to represent voters,” Sept. 3, Page A6), I fully agree the people of House District 64 deserve a good representative and an explanation for my 72 percent roll call attendance.

Less than one year ago, I had a heart pacemaker installed after dozens of episodes in which I fainted and my heart stopped. This surgery required many followup appointments with specialists. So, at the beginning of session, I did miss some votes due to medical reasons.

Toward the end of a session, bills return to the House for a series of rapid-fire procedural votes. In one day, a legislator could miss dozens of procedural votes due to the pace.

I work for my family’s very busy marina and restaurant, and I had promised them I would be back full time after the statutory adjournment date of June 19.

The legislative session stretched into July, and I found myself juggling legislative work with my work that sustains my family and pays the bills. This is a struggle I think most people in our region are familiar with.

After running the kitchen at the restaurant one night, I received a call from my caucus leader that my vote was needed. I jumped into my car and drove to Augusta at 10:45 p.m. to cast two votes. I was happy to be able to do both jobs that night.

I may never achieve a perfect attendance record, but the trade-off is that I am a real person who has similar challenges as the people I serve.

I’m proud to serve in Maine’s citizen legislature and hope my constituents know I will continue to represent them to the best of my ability.

Rep. Jeremy Saxton
House District 64
Harpswell