Recently, at Poland’s candidates’ night, I was impressed by Sen. Deb Simpson’s depth and understanding of the topics.

She was asked about her National Federation of Independent Business legislative rating. Because she supported the Patients’ Bill of Rights and expanding access to health care, she received negative ratings from the business group. She said she wasn’t elected to represent health insurance companies, or to have lobbyists like her.  She was elected to represent Maine people.

In the past two years, she has helped create substantial tax incentives for businesses to locate here and has invested in community colleges to train the work force. She sponsored a bill to eliminate the property tax for business equipment and co-sponsored a bill to modify the Informed Growth Act to enhance development opportunities by eliminating a key regulatory hurdle.

She needs to be returned to the Senate to keep forward-looking legislation moving. Deb Simpson has my vote.

Mary-Beth Taylor, Poland