I have known Laura Fortman for many years and worked with her on several projects. Laura is running for state Senate in District 13, which includes most of Lincoln County and the towns of Windsor and Washington. She is an honest, thoughtful, intelligent and hard-working woman who cares about the people of Maine. She will work to improve the economy, create good jobs and establish high-quality health care, child care and elder care.

Most recently Laura was the deputy administrator of the Wage and Hour Division at the U.S. Department of Labor, where her objective was to help people receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. Gov. John Baldacci appointed Fortman as commissioner of the Maine Department of Labor in 2003, where she had responsibility for almost 500 department employees and chaired the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet.

Among other things, by 2010 the gender pay gap was decreased and the state created more nontraditional employment services for women. She understands the need for young people to have the education and skills, including technical training, needed to get good-paying jobs.

Laura understands the legislative and policy arena and was a leader in the nonprofit community. Laura knows how Maine state government works and how the federal government works. She works well with others and will work hard in Augusta to improve jobs and the Maine economy. Vote for Laura Fortman for state senator of District 13 in November.

Mary Sheldon

Nobleboro

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