At 14 years of age, I had attended 16 different schools and completed the eighth grade. Eventually I arrived at Good Will-Hinckley School, where I found a stable and safe place to learn.
The high school principal was a caring, compassionate and encouraging man who actually helped to change my life.
My time at Good Will-Hinckley taught me life skills that helped me to earn my bachelor’s degree and eventually become a member of the Maine Legislature.
I can think of no better person than Speaker Mark Eves to have served as president of Good Will-Hinckley. I was deeply saddened and disappointed to learn of Gov. LePage’s actions.
He robbed a good man of his livelihood in a move of political retribution unseen in my day. Speaker Eves was and still is the man for the job, both at Good Will-Hinckley and in the Legislature.
After everything that’s happened, the speaker continues to rise above partisan bickering to get real work done across the aisle. It’s very difficult to listen to someone falsely attack your character time and time again and still stay true to your values, but Speaker Eves does.
As I came to know Speaker Eves, I couldn’t help being reminded of my former principal, who set the example for me, and I am proud of the example the speaker sets for legislators. Under his leadership I came to know a kind, intelligent, dedicated man who came to Augusta every day trying to make life better for everyday Mainers.
The people of Maine should continue to be proud of their speaker and stand with him in the months ahead.
Helen Rankin
former Democratic state representative
Hiram
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