Dear Editor:

We in Lincoln County (except Dresden) and the neighboring towns Windsor and Washington are privileged to have a well-qualified candidate like Laura Fortman running for Maine State Senate. Laura has lived in Lincoln County for more than 30 years and is well versed in the strengths and problems in our local communities. She worked minimum wage jobs while raising her daughter and attending college. Her concerns for the well being of women led her to lead a sexual assault crisis center and later compelled her to become the executive director of Maine’s Women’s Lobby, a position she held for 10 years.

Her commitment to the community prompted her to be appointed Maine Labor Commissioner for eight years. She was then recruited by the U.S. Department of Labor as deputy administrator of the Wage and Hour Division (3.5 years). President Obama was impressed with her service and has endorsed her candidacy.

Her concerns for others, and her common sense approach to problem solving, have been widely recognized. She has been instrumental in programs supporting job creation and retention, developing a skilled work force, and matching people to jobs. She has helped countless working families acquire access to health care, affordable childcare, and is committed to acquiring paid sick leave and paid family leave. The Francis Perkins Center appointed her as their director because of her commitment and creative problem solving. We will indeed be fortunate to have her represent us in the Maine Senate.

Lorna Winthrop

Wiscasset