I am writing to discuss my overwhelming support for Joey Brunelle for City Council.

There are a great many reasons that I am happy to support Joey; he does represent the best work of progressives in Portland. However, there is one issue in particular that I believe sets Mr. Brunelle apart from any other candidate running. I am a longtime supporter of Maine Clean Elections, and I believe very strongly in Maine’s first-in-the-nation work to fight money in politics and the erosion of faith and trust in leadership that money in politics leads to. Although our clean elections system does not cover municipal races, Joey has made the bold decision to run his campaign in accordance with clean election principles and in doing so has chosen to fight an uphill battle against opponents, who are taking large campaign donations.

When I think of the type of person I want to see in a leadership role, I think about qualities like doing the right thing even when it’s difficult, even if others are taking any advantage they can get, and doing this difficult, but morally just, thing even when it’s not required of you.

I know that Joey Brunelle will make a great City Council member and will always work hard to do the right thing for the people of Portland.

Chris Hafford

Portland