One of my early encounters with Rep. Susan Austin was at our town caucus in 2008. We had had no Town Committee to that point and most of us were new to the process and to politics in general.

We had several tasks to complete and conducted a Presidential Preference Poll.

Susan Austin was asked to provide some context for our understanding of how the legislature operated, how issues were deliberated, bills tracked, etc. This she delivered with skill, insight and humor. She offered to provide us with bullet updates on current happenings that would increase our access and influence.

I thank her for encouraging us to become involved, for her approachability, and for her counsel and help over the years. If I were able, I would consider it a privilege to vote for her again and return her to the Maine House of Representatives.

Mary Ellen Farrell

Durham