State Senate candidate Shenna Bellows, on the ballot in Chelsea, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Monmouth, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, West Gardiner and Winthrop, really gets it regarding property taxes.

As a local official, I have long known local taxes have not gone up because of excessive local spending. Rather, the pressure on property taxes comes from the state continually shifting away from its long-standing funding of basic responsibilities.

I support Shenna because she supports property tax relief for our seniors, families, and small businesses. I will vote for Shenna because I know she will fight to make sure the state pays its fair share back to cities and towns for our local schools and infrastructure.

I am hopeful that we will be represented by Bellows because I know she will work hard as our senator to deliver a more responsible and fair state budget that reduces our property taxes.

Bruce Bourgoine

Readfield