Dear Editor:

Living on the coast of Maine I am keenly aware of the impacts our changing climate is having on Maine’s coastline and working waterfronts as Gulf of Maine waters warm faster than 90 percent of the world’s waters and become more acidic and hostile to shellfish. Our fish and seafood stocks we depend on for our livelihoods and sustenance are moving to colder waters, have disappeared or are at risk of extinction as their shells disintegrate under more acidic conditions.

One of the most important and necessary steps we can take to turn the tide on these trends is to rapidly transition from fossil fuels power generation to clean alternative energy. Holly Stover, candidate for House District 89, understands this and is a strong supporter for Maine to lead the way. Holly knows that the solar industry is one of the most productive businesses in Maine’s economy. This industry has attracted back to Maine many of our young people and their families to settle, make a good living with benefits, and contribute to the economic well-being of our communities in the Midcoast and elsewhere.

Our elected leaders have said they want to improve the economy while encouraging our youth to stay in Maine, yet over and over again they have voted to kill legislation that would encourage profitable industries, such as solar and offshore wind. Holly Stover will get us back on track to support clean energy jobs while protecting the working waterfronts we all cherish. She’s got my vote!

Anne D. (Andy) Burt

Edgecomb