Letter: I support Evans for House District 120

To the Editor;

Richard Evans is running for House District 120, representing Atkinson, Brownville, Dover-Foxcroft, Medford, Milo and Plantation of Lake View, as well as Orneville Township. You may know him better as “Doc” Evans!

“Doc” Evans was raised in a family of six children. His dad was a truck driver and only went to the eighth grade; his mom was a homemaker who only went to the ninth grade. He saw how hard they struggled just to make ends meet. He knows what it’s like to go to bed without a meal or to school without a lunch. Rich understands what life is like for so many of our friends and neighbors and is committed to define what is right and to do it.

“Doc” is a remarkable man – as so many of us can attest who have had the good fortune of receiving medical care from him. His life has been one of tremendous challenges and accomplishments – starting with his roots growing up in a family who lived in extreme poverty, to his educational accomplishments at Howard University and Thomas Jefferson University where he got his medical degree. He is a veteran of the USAF serving as a hospital commander, receiving the Meritorious Service Medal for Outstanding Leadership and the National Defense Service Medal. It was his military service that brought him to Aroostook County which led, eventually, to Piscataquis County.

Rich is a past president of the Maine Medical Association, and received the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement. He continues his medical leadership as the recently installed chair of the New England Delegation to the American Medical Association.

I have had the privilege of visiting some homes with Rich during this campaign season. I have seen him up close, visiting those whose voices are not being heard, who live in poverty, who are unemployed and the elderly. I have seen him take the time to listen to that proud grandma in Atkinson talk about her children and her own challenges and worries about her grandchildren. I have seen his concern and understanding and I know that he will carry these messages and unmet needs to Augusta when he is elected to the House of Representatives.

“Doc” is married to Bonny, and together they share three adult children and six grandchildren. His commitment to our region is strong; his caring for our people relentless. You can see many of his videos and positions at Facebook, Evans for Me.

When you exercise your right to vote on November 8th, please cast your ballot for “Doc” Richard Evans for House Seat 120. “Doc” will be a voice for us in Augusta, and will keep us informed and involved in the issues that affect our lives every day and – which, for so many – can make all of the difference between simply surviving and thriving.

Thank you.

Sue Mackey Andrews, Dover-Foxcroft