I am pleased to write a letter of support for District 3 Sen. Rodney Whittemore, R-Skowhegan. Rod is a thoughtful, steady conservative legislator. He is willing to listen to opposing views and try to understand those who oppose his views. Over the last several years, Madison has experienced several significant blows to its economic health. Rod has worked tirelessly in Augusta to help the citizens of Madison and the rest of Somerset County.

When UPM Madison requested and received a significant tax break resulting in the loss of $150 million in valuation for Madison, Whittemore was in the forefront of the discussions in Augusta searching for ways to help both the town and School Administrative District 59 absorb such a significant loss of value and the resulting loss of tax revenue. When the mill announced that it was closing, Whittemore continued the fight by bringing all the stakeholders together in Augusta with Gov. Paul LePage to brainstorm ways to either avert the closure or blunt the severity of the loss. He was able to work with members of the House and Senate and the governor to pass a bill that helps SAD 59 with the immediate funding crunch.

In November, I urge the voters to support Whittemore for Senate. Somerset County will need his conservative, experienced, and consistent leadership as we face the economic uncertainties of the coming years.

Jack Ducharme

Madison