Letter: Chenette role model for youth, LGBTQ+

As we enter Pride Month, we have an opportunity to elect our first Millennial and first openly
LGBTQ+ county commissioner here in York County. I’m supporting former Senator Justin
Chenette in the June 14th Democratic Primary. We need to change who we elect to this role. 
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Justin has been a role model in the legislature for youth and the LGBTQ+ community. He has
co-sponsored legislation to ban the dangerous practice known as conversion therapy and
pushed to increase state funding for our local schools. He also makes youth feel seen and
heard by frequently visiting classrooms to educate around civics and provides annual college
scholarships to future leaders totaling over $7,000 between Saco and OOB.

He is endorsed by the LGBTQ Victory Fund, a national organization dedicated to electing pro-
equality & LGBTQ+ leaders to office, as well as national progressive organizations Roadmap for
Progress and Building Bridges for America. 

Representation matters. It is important that we elect leaders that reflect the diversity and values
of our community. Justin will be a strong voice for equality and equity. Having more diverse
individuals elected to office will undoubtedly help yield to better policy outcomes and
engagement for everyone. 

The decisions made today will impact Maine’s youth later. It’s time for a new generation of
progressive leadership to have a seat at the table.

Jake Whitney, Saco