Monday, November 1, 2010

Election Day '10

Dear Friends and Neighbors--

Tomorrow, November 2nd, is Election Day.

During this campaign I visited over 3000 doors in the district and talked with thousands of voters. I met with retired folks in Madrid Township, attorneys and maple syrup producers in Weld, papermakers in Rumford, educators in Andover, and carpenters in Roxbury--just to name a few. Yesterday, during one of the final days of the campaign, I met with a Selectperson in Byron, a Maine Guide “off the grid” in Roxbury, and saw two massive bull moose moving slowly alongside the road next to Coos Canyon--a wonderful reminder of the wild beauty we’re so fortunate to be surrounded by here in Western Maine. I appreciate the openness, the candor, and the wisdom of the many folks that met and spoke with me during my campaign for re-election.

This has been a challenging election cycle in general and in particular for incumbents. Our national economy has continued to struggle and understandably people are running out of patience. I’m proud of the fact that I ran a positive campaign focusing on the issues and my service to the citizens of the River Valley. Unfortunately, like a lot of my colleagues, I was the target of negative advertising both from my opponent, as well as outside groups. I’m happy that I choose not to respond to the attacks and distortions because I think we’re better than that in the River Valley.

Throughout the campaign, I never stopped focusing on my service to District 92. Over the past few months, I have been able to submit a number of proposed bills--most of which have been based on ideas I heard from you during my last two years of service and the campaign. These ideas range from promoting expanded marketing of Maine maple products, to finding ways to make government more efficient and responsive. These initiatives will strengthen our economy and create jobs, as well as protect the health and safety of our citizens. I hope that I will be re-elected and able to pursue these important initiatives that you have suggested.

To all of you who have given me advice, encouragement and support during my campaigns and legislative service, I want to express my sincerest gratitude. It would be impossible for me to undertake the tasks of a legislator without your ideas and opinions--so thank you for helping me to do better work on your behalf.

Finally, thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you for the past two years. Serving the River Valley has been one of the best experiences of my life. I hope that I have the opportunity to continue serving to keep pushing forward for District 92 on the issues that matter most to all of us--jobs, educating our children, and protecting this wonderful state of Maine.

I humbly ask for your vote tomorrow and thank you again for the support.

All the Best,

Matt Peterson