With all the orchestrated hoopla of the Democratic and Republican conventions, and the “shouting” of the TV ads paid for by shadowy groups, it is so refreshing to meet two candidates who knock on people’s doors, ask what you want to have happen in Augusta and then actually listen.

My appreciation to Nichole Stevens of New Gloucester and John Cleveland of Auburn for not just volunteering themselves as candidates for the Maine House (District 105) and Senate (District 15), but for doing the honest work to get there — one door and conversation at a time.

Penny Hilton, New Gloucester