GO, MIKE 1

I commend Michael Quint for stepping up to the plate and suggesting creative solutions to the issue of affordable housing. It is a large and complex issue within Portland, and also one that we will not solve as a community without much discussion and most likely a multi-headedx approach. Michael Quint has set a sterling example for other politicians to follow by not only agreeing that the problem exists but suggesting possible routes for change.

I also commend the Portland Phoenix for providing coverage of the event. We, as citizens of Portland, cannot allow the housing crisis to leave the headlines of our papers until the problem is solved and people stop being trapped in the shelters, forced to move out of the area, work multiple jobs, or live in unsafe living conditions simply because they cannot afford the cost of Portland rents. In covering the event, the Portland Phoenix has moved us a small step towards that goal.

Malvina Gregory

Portland, ME

GO, MIKE 2

I don’t usually write letters on behalf of political candidates, but this is one I decided I could feel good about.

Last week, the Phoenix wrote a small article on a new initiative by State Representative Michael Quint to help solve Portland’s affordable housing crisis (This Just In, 1/18/02).

It is common to think very cynically about politicians (I usually do), especially when they are actively in “campaign mode,” as Mike Quint is right now. However, anyone who has watched Michael Quint the past three terms knows that this housing initiative fits right in line with his past and current work on housing issues. They also know that Rep. Quint is often on the progressive cutting edge of Maine politics.

Whether it’s his support for universal healthcare, medical marijuana, death with dignity, cultural diversity, or civil rights for everyone, Mike Quint has never been afraid to forge new ground on important issues. Being the first openly gay representative in the history of Maine probably taught him a lot about how to stand tall and proud for his convictions.

So, even though I rarely support politicians publicly, and (almost) never write letters on their behalf, I am happily doing so in this case because I think Representative Mike Quint is a rare politician who would make a great senator.

Enid Wheeler

Portland, ME

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