On Nov. 8 we residents of Standish have the opportunity to elect a truly outstanding candidate to represent us in the Maine State Legislature. Pam Smith is an especially qualified choice by both her experience and her approach to issues.

Pam is a lawyer who has represented the elderly and children throughout her professional life. She has had to deal with problems that don’t always have a black and white answer and has learned how to make compromises that result in bringing the best possible resolutions for her clients. This experience will support her inclination to work across party lines, knowing that one side doesn’t always have all of the answers.

Pam entered law school at the age of 40, so understands the anxiety of facing new challenges whether it is changing career in midlife or running for state representative because she believes she is the person who can put the needs of all Standish residents ahead of a certain few.

Pam is an independent lawyer, so also understands the challenges of being a small business owner and how small businesses form the economic backbone of our state.

Pam is from a Maine family with a long tradition of hunting. Of course, as a lawyer she is well versed in the Constitution, and being from a hunting family, she respects the Second Amendment and its importance in our country’s history.

Pam knows that Standish families are not interested solely in Second Amendment issues. Pam has been meeting the folks of Standish and recognizes that we have broader concerns as well; that we want access to good jobs and that our children need a good education and a transition to a productive work and civic life. Whether that means vocational training and apprenticeship or attending college and advanced degrees, the ultimate goal is that we are able to achieve a satisfying personal, work and professional life.

Pam would work across party lines for all Standish residents. She can look at new ideas and know that not just one party has all the best ideas. Pam Smith can also see a broader picture, that the future is upon us, whether we need better broadband service to grow our small businesses, access to quality health care or protecting our environment, crops and water sources in a time of global climate change.

So, we can cling to the past and elect a representative whose best case is NRA endorsement or we can acknowledge that the future is upon us and that we need clear thinking, concrete results. We can cherish our traditions but not at the expense of leaving others behind. We need a representative to work toward solutions that will allow everyone to rise to their best abilities.

Please consider the importance of your vote on Nov. 8 in electing someone who will really listen to you and represent your values and your family in Augusta. Pam Smith is that person.

Cheryl Cameron

Standish