January 27

Former representative did his best in public service

Letter to the Editor

I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the citizens of District 59, Gardiner and Randolph. Over the past eight years I have been accountable to them and have been honest, sincere and forthright in all my public service endeavors and honored to do so.

Eight years go by quickly. Many issues are clear-cut and easy, some are not. Some went to my deepest moral compass and I could not have had a clear decisive answer whether I was a Democrat, Republican, independent or Green.

I know I have disappointed some people and pleased others. In the final analysis, one must do their best to seek the common good and to do so is often a rocky road. The responsibility was mine.

Compromise takes thoughtful courage. The politics where each party wants their own way, will not, in the end, benefit the state of Maine.

Elected officials have a deep responsibility to all the state's citizens to carefully weigh each issue on its merits, not on popularity, media hype or special interest groups. I believe we all must serve our fellow man.

I have lost the respect of a few friends for the votes I have taken and that has saddened me. I believe in public service.

The challenges we face in Maine are real and difficult. If it were easy everyone in my district would have praised me as a Solomon. I have done the best job I could and still have strived to do better. I am honored and humbled to have served my community.

President Thomas Jefferson said, "In matters of style, swim with the current; In matters of principle, stand like a rock."

Thank you to all.

Former Rep. Stephen Hanley

House District 59

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