In this day of social media, it is a welcome relief to still be able to actually know our friends and neighbors who represent us in our various forms of government. Those of us who live in Kennebec County have an opportunity to elect a public servant who truly works hard and listens to the people he represents.

Pat Paradis has shown again and again that he has the courage of his convictions and the insight to see the larger picture on issues that face us here in this part of Maine.

In the Legislature or city government, Pat has forged great bonds across the aisle and has never lost that connection to the neighborhood and the county in which he grew up. That is the sort of public servant I want as my Kennebec County commissioner. Vote for Paradis in the June 14 Democratic primary.

Mike Bell

Manchester