We are lucky to have supportive elected officials here in Bath who really do support and stand up for us in times of need.

Last summer I had a water main break in front of my house, which destroyed my furnace, water heater, sump pump, and caused a lot of damage to my home.

Our councilor-at-large, Steve Brackett, was very helpful and supportive of my plight during this time and deserves my thanks. It was not a popular position at the time but Mr. Brackett stood up vocally and proud for me and I appreciate it.

Just last week I wrote testimony for one and gave testimony for another of two bills in front of our state legislature introduced by our Rep. Jennifer DeChant. Once again, these bills represent important legislation which was not all that popular among her colleagues but she submitted the bills, did the research and proudly presented them much to the chagrin of many lobbyists and committee members. Jennifer swam against the tide for the consumer in trying to introduce legislation to help us in case this happens to you or to make the insurance companies offer a product to protect our interest as homeowners in this situation. Believe me if you are faced with this situation you will not want to hear those slamming doors! Thank you so much Jennifer DeChant for going to bat for the citizens of this state who are at risk as we all are.

I would also like to thank water superintendent Trevor Hunt from the Bath Water District who came out to testify in favor of LD 569. Trevor also went to Augusta to testify as “neither for nor against” LD 660 which is a bill allowing water districts to create and maintain a fund for damages such as mine. This was a brave move on Mr. Hunt’s part since every other water district was there to testify against this bill which would protect their customers. Mr. Hunt sat on my side of the aisle with me, a customer of the BWD, while the others sat together firmly against helping their customers. Trevor Hunt testified on the need for some protection for consumers and the reality of this happening again.

Although we are not sure of the fate of these bills I want the people of Bath to know that they are well represented by the Bath City Council and City Manager, as well as Representative DeChant and Trevor Hunt our water superintendent.

My sincere thanks to all of you.

Joanne Adams
Bath