15 July 2002

Maine Development Foundation
Leadership Maine
45 Memorial Circle, Suite 302
Augusta, Maine 04330

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to recommend State Rep. Susan Hawes for participation in Leadership Maine.

Susan, a first-term legislator, has distinguished herself as competent and creative.  She demonstrates a respect for the Legislature and a desire to work with others to achieve the common good.

Susan is a member of the Legislature's Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. In the 120^th Legislature, she sponsored and co-sponsored several measures that sought to improve and strengthen Maine agriculture including legislation to encourage the use of locally grown foods in school meal programs, to encourage agricultural development and another bill to streamline the administration of the Potato Marketing Improvement Fund.  She also co-sponsored legislation to facilitate attracting and retaining a high quality workforce, reduce paperwork for Maine businesses and increasing health insurance coverage for Maine people.

Susan is a person of great dignity and intelligence.  Her commitment to her constituency and to all Maine citizens is unsurpassed.  One only has to be familiar with her quick response to constituent questions and problems to know that she is a dedicated public servant.

It is with highest regard that I recommend her selection for Leadership Maine.

Very truly yours,
Bill Norbert

Bill Norbert
House Majority Whip