I am financially conservative and socially liberal, and identify as an independent. Hence, I am struggling with deciding how to vote in our District 3 Senate race. I like and respect both Rod Whittemore and Jeff McCabe, and agree with each on different issues.

My mind was made up, however, at a Skowhegan forum on opiate abuse hosted by Rep. McCabe. I have volunteered to tell middle and high school students the truth about opiates since losing my son, Will, to a heroin overdose in 2009.

Although I truly loved teaching mathematics at Lawrence High School, opiate education is probably the educational mission of my life. I have testified at the State House, at McCabe’s invitation, on bills to legalize Narcan and to promote drug education in public schools. I will vote for Jeff McCabe in November and encourage you to do the same.

Skip Gates

Skowhegan