Dear Editor: 

As State Senator since 2022, I’ve worked to support legislation aligned with two priorities: the broad issues I campaign on and finding solutions to unique challenges impacting District 13. 

This campaign, I’ve spoken with thousands of constituents at their doors, on the phone, and around town. Rising costs of living is the number one concern I hear, and there isn’t a magic fix at the state level; policymakers must work together to ease the burden in creative ways. This is in addition to emergency work like filling the gaps created by federal budget cuts so your neighbor doesn’t go without heat, and responding to natural disasters so your town survives the next big storm. 

I’ve also learned throughout my time in the legislature that public service isn’t as simple as identifying problems. There are many ways we can address challenges–but just as many ways to make them worse with poorly vetted policy and short-sighted measures meant to generate buzz but not actually solve anything. I know many legislators have good intentions, but good intentions alone don’t put food on the table.

I’m again urging voters to set aside the “D”, “R”, or “I” next to a candidate’s name, and take the time to consider who we are as individuals: our values, our experience, our priorities, and how we show up in our communities. This is more important than ever as candidates emphasize the barriers of party politics while continuing to promote wedge issues and national talking points instead of focusing on things that actually impact Mainers’ lives. That doesn’t serve our state or district in the way we deserve.

Winning an election is just the beginning and policymaking is a team sport. I’ve proven my skills in finding stakeholders and working together to create solutions to problems like expanding rural healthcare, addressing affordable housing, lowering costs of prescriptions, supporting working families, and protecting small businesses and heritage industries. This work isn’t over. 

I hope to build on this strong foundation and continue my work in Augusta. I’m asking for your support by voting to re-elect me on Nov. 3.

Senator Cameron Reny

Round Pond