I write today to urge you to cast your vote in the June 12 primary for Democrat Heather Sanborn for Maine Senate District 28 (parts of Portland and Westbrook).

I have personally worked with Heather for many years through the Maine Brewers’ Guild. In 2012, Heather took the lead on the guild’s legislative committee and then served as president of the guild. Under her leadership, we were able to pass landmark legislation legalizing brewery tasting rooms, paving the way for the huge growth of the craft brewing industry in Maine.

I then had the privilege of succeeding her as guild president when Heather was elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 2016. As a legislator, she has continued to be a strong voice and advocate for the growing brewing industry, as well as for other small businesses. With her help, Maine has continued to modernize Maine’s brewery regulations. Our state is now a national leader in the craft beer industry, drawing in thousands of visitors and generating roughly $500 million a year in economic impact. This remarkable success is due in no small part to Heather’s efforts.

Beyond her positive impact on the beer industry, Heather also has firsthand knowledge of the struggles all small businesses face in Maine – from finding well-qualified workers to paying for increasingly expensive health insurance coverage and ensuring that we have access to clean and affordable electricity. She has already taken the lead on these issues in Augusta and will continue those efforts as our next state senator.

Portland, Westbrook and the entire state of Maine would be well served having Heather Sanborn in the Senate.

Brandon Mazer

Portland