Like many, I watch the political circus at the national level and scratch my head. How will we ever find our way out of this mess?

At least at the state and local level, we have some very solid options. I am especially hopeful about a new candidate for House District 76 representing Belgrade, Rome, Mount Vernon, Vienna, Fayette and Wayne. This new candidate’s name is Jill Ducharme, and she is running as a Democrat.

Jill is a resident of Wayne. She was born and raised in Maine, and she knows the state well. For many years, Jill led product development and marketing efforts for one of Maine’s most prestigious manufacturing companies. More recently she has applied her professional skills in working with government agencies and nonprofits to build sustainable local economies. No surprise that Jill’s No. 1 focus in the Legislature, in addition to offering support for education and environmental conservation, will be advocating for new good paying jobs.

Mostly I like Jill’s attitude. She is a “can-do” person. Instead of just complaining about problems like so many politicians, Jill readily works with others to create solutions. In short, she is exactly the kind of representative we need in the Legislature if we really want our young people (like my grandchildren) to be able to work and raise families here in Maine.

She has my vote 100 percent.

Bruce Hazard

Belgrade