My daughter, Sharri MacDonald, is the state representative for Old Orchard Beach, and she is running for re-election. I have never written a letter to the editor in my lifetime as a resident of Old Orchard Beach, but this year, at this time, I am writing to my fellow residents and friends.

As owners of probably one of the two or three oldest family-run businesses left in Old Orchard Beach, my wife and I raised our family with a strong work ethic and a belief that community matters. Every day since 1976, our family has served this town and its visitors at our gas station and repair shop. If people needed help or did not have money to pay for their repairs, we would allow them to pay over time. If someone needed to be dragged out of the flood waters, they called us. When town hall needed Christmas wreaths, we made them and donated them to the town. All because community matters.

Before my daughter, Sharri, ran for office, she asked me if I thought it was a good idea, and quite frankly, I told her it would not be an easy job. She ran, first for the school board, then town council, and now is our state representative. Since her first time serving all of us, I have seen her grow and become the town leader that Old Orchard Beach should be very proud of.

To this day, and every day, three to four people stop by to talk to her about issues they are having. I have seen Sharri drop everything to bring some kerosene to a home where they had no heat. She has taken time off from work to go to DHHS hearings and to advocate for our townspeople. She spent countless hours helping people get health insurance. I know just how much time she spends helping others because she does much of it at our store.

Sharri takes her responsibility as a town leader very seriously and works tirelessly for Old Orchard Beach. She and her friends started OOB365, building giant snowhills down Old Orchard Street, putting on free community dinners and hosting food drives for the three food pantries in our town. She leads with compassion and courage, and I am proud of her.

I am asking Old Orchard Beach to re-elect my daughter, Sharri MacDonald, as Old Orchard Beach’s state representative.

Arthur MacDonald,

Old Orchard Beach