Jimmy Simones making run for state Senate
LEWISTON – For years he’s been courted by them. For years he’s been talking about them. Now Jimmy Simones wants to hang up his hot dog apron and become one of them. A politician, that is.
On Monday, Simones, the third-generation owner and operator of the popular Simones’ Hot Dog Stand, announced he’s running for the state Senate next November, more than a year from now.
Simones lives in Greene and is running for District 17, a territory now represented by Sen. Kenneth Blais, R-Litchfield. Because of redistricting Blais’ district is changing, which means Simones would not be competing against the incumbent.
Through the years no savvy candidate, from Olympia Snowe to Angus King, would think of campaigning in Lewiston without visiting the popular downtown restaurant, where politics is consumed almost as heartily as dogs and fries.
Hours after Baldacci was elected governor last November, the governor-elect stopped at Simones’ while patrons ate bacon and eggs. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins campaigned there as well last year, bringing along her huge campaign bus.
Simones, 48, a Republican, said he has always had an interest in politics. With his two children grown, he now has the time. And more importantly, his wife, Linda, said he could, he said with a laugh. “The boss gave me the blessing.”
“I’ve always wanted to get in and give it a shot,” Simones said behind his lunch counter. Monday. “The timing is right. I’ve worked in the family business for 30 years. I have a son in the business now, and I have the time to dedicate to the office.”
His daughter, Melissa, is a second-year student at Bates College. Son George would take the business over for his father during the legislative sessions should he win. “I feel comfortable that the business would run well,” Simones said, adding that he’d keep his hand in the business.
Simones has never held a public office, but has demonstrated some of the talents needed for office. He seems to enjoy talking to people, is friendly, listens and speaks publicly with ease. He has been active in his communities, including being a volunteer firefighter and a member on several boards.
He was born and raised in Lewiston, graduated from Lewiston High School and attended Central Maine Community College. In high school he worked on campaigns, canvassing neighborhoods for John Orestis when he ran for mayor. “It was a lot of fun. I met a lot of great people,” Simones said.
He and his family moved from Lewiston to Greene in 1990.
Simones was a vocal proponent of the Bates Mill development projects, spoke out about the U.S. Postal Service not locating its distribution center in Lewiston, and volunteered to resolve tensions last year with the Somali community.
From serving breakfasts and lunches each day, he said he has learned what issues are on peoples’ minds. His daily interaction gives him the opportunity to know “the pulse of the voters,” Simones said. While saying he would vote his constituents’ desires, he also said he would be his own person and not be bound by party politics.
When asked which politician – and there are photos of several hanging on his restaurant walls – he’d like to be like, Simones paused for a few seconds and then said, “I’d like to be like them all.”
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