We in New Sharon are fortunate that redistricting has put our town into the 113th district of the Maine House of Representatives. This means that for the first time, we can be represented in Augusta by Lance Harvell.
Lance will be a first-rate representative for us, just as he was for Farmington and Industry during his prior service in the House.
I have gotten to know Lance pretty well over the past few months. We agree on lots of issues, and we also disagree politely. He may be the best informed person I have ever met.
His is an American story. Grew up close to the land. Hunts and fishes. Veteran of the Air Force. Worked nearly 30 years in the Androscoggin mill. Started college while in the mill. When Verso laid off 300 people last Christmas, Lance didn’t cry in his beer. He grabbed the opportunity and returned to college. The month after the election, Lance will graduate from UMF with a degree in history and political science.
When I was farming, I was concerned about genetic engineering. Lance wrote the bill that required labeling of food items that contained genetically modified organisms. You know, the notion that if someone has spliced the genes of a flounder into your tomato, you have a right to know that. He got the bill through the Legislature with wide support, despite heavy lobbying by the agribusiness interests, and the governor signed his bill. It was the second GMO-labeling bill in the country.
That bill was part of the incentive the U.S. Congress followed last summer when it enabled nationwide GMO labeling. At least 10 major food corporations are now labeling GMO and/or launching non-GMO food products. I have begun looking for the non-GMO labels when I shop. Thanks, Lance.
Lance knows from that experience that big oaks from little acorns grow. On Nov. 8, please send him back to Augusta to plant more acorns.
Bob Neal
New Sharon
Glad Monsanto can’t get away with hiding their tampered with veggies anymore. Seems like ever since the food got genetically manipulated, there has been more flu cases, e.coli, etc. Mother Nature, I’m sure, has not been too happy about that. Who knows — this garbage is probably killing the honey bees
I agree. Lance didn’t cry into his beer when his job was terminated. When he crossed the picket line during the 1987 strike at International Paper, he took a big chance at damaging his reputation, but his character prevailed
When Lance was in Augusta last time, he was careful to always respond with a note, an email or referred me to people who could help. He knew who to contact and for whatever reason, with www referrals., emails or people to phone for an answer. You’ve got my vote again and glad of it.