Editor:
On Nov. 6, South Portland voters have the opportunity to elect an environmentalist, a small business owner, an expert on public safety, an educator, and an advocate for working people and their families. Tom Blake is uniquely qualified to serve on South Portland City Council.
In fact, Tom Blake has already been working for South Portland in many ways. As the first president of the South Portland Land Trust, Tom Blake has helped lead the effort to preserve open green space in our city. A recently retired South Portland firefighter and paramedic, he was president of Local 1476 of the Professional Firefighters Union. A graduate of the University of Southern Maine, Tom Blake holds a master’s degree in education and was a member of the South Portland School Improvement Committee.
 Tom Blake has earned the respect of people from many political persuasions for the great work he has already done for South Portland. He has most certainly earned our vote on Election Day.
Matthew Beck
South Portland