U.S. Senator Susan Collins attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated and modernized emergency department at Millinocket Regional Hospital in May. Credit: Linda Coan O'Kresik / BDN

Letters submitted by BDN readers are verified by BDN Opinion Page staff. Send your letters to letters@bangordailynews.com

I support Sen. Susan Collins because I have seen firsthand how hard she works fighting for Mainers across our state.

I grew up on Lake Winnecook in Unity. The lake is one of the area’s greatest treasures, and hosts seasonal visitors as well as year-round residents. However, it has struggled with harmful blue-green algae blooms that affect both recreation and water quality. After local residents banded together and worked with Collins’ office, she helped secure $2 million in federal funding to begin treatment efforts to make the lake safer for everyone to enjoy.

I have also experienced Collins’ commitment to Mainers personally.

I am a commercial pilot and aviation student working toward a career as an airline pilot. When I was an infant, I received a liver transplant, and because of that obtaining and renewing my FAA medical certificate has consistently been a difficult and frustrating process. After years of being caught up in federal red tape, I reached out to Collins’ office for help.

Her staff worked directly with the FAA on my behalf and helped resolve the issues that repeatedly delayed my medical certification and in turn my education. Thanks to their assistance I have been able to continue pursuing my education and career goals.

These experiences have shown me something important about Collins. Whether an issue affects an entire community or just a single constituent, she takes the time to listen and help find solutions.

Randall Starbird

Unity

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