I am writing today to express my thoughts on the upcoming Senate election here in Maine. As our state continues to face challenges with access to healthcare, especially in our rural communities, I believe it is important to recognize Sen. Susan Collins’ willingness to work across the aisle to make rural healthcare a broader priority.

From supporting rural hospitals and telehealth to helping secure federal investments for Maine’s healthcare system, she has recognized that healthcare access looks very different in rural states like Maine than it does in major urban areas.

For many rural Maine veterans in particular, access to healthcare can mean traveling hours just to see a specialist. Sen. Collins has consistently worked throughout her Senate career to make sure veterans can receive care closer to home. Her work supporting the VA with the Access Received Closer to Home or ARCH program helped many northern Maine veterans receive healthcare locally rather than making long trips to the state capital to meet some of their medical needs.

Maine does not need Washington politicians who are constantly fighting with one another. We need leaders who have seen and understand Maine’s unique challenges and are willing to work with anyone to solve them.

Based on her record with rural Maine healthcare, helping veterans and consistent bipartisan leadership, I believe Susan Collins has demonstrated that she is committed to putting Maine first.

Roman Cassidy
Glenburn

Read the letter: centralmaine.com