Party affiliation: Democrat

Date of birth: November 21, 1961

Hometown: Dixfield

Occupation: Millworker, NewPage in Rumford; member and past-president of Local 900 Union

Education: Dirigo High School, work-related training, Stationary Steam Engineer License

Community organizations: Eagles Club, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, Mahoosuc Land Trust, Webb River Sportsmens’ Club, River Valley 4-Wheelers Club

Personal information (hobbies, etc.): Fishing, hunting, boating, attending daughters’ sports and school events, cribbage, horseshoes

Family status: Father of three daughters

Years in the Legislature: Six in the House; four in the Senate

Clean Election candidate?: Yes

Committee assignments: Senate chairman, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; member and former chairman, Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry; chairman, Task Force on Maine’s Unorganized Territories; member, Maine Fire Protection Services Commission; member, Maine Citizens Trade Policy Commission; Maine Canadian Legislative Advisory Commission

1. I have worked hard to address issues with school funding, the Canton flood relief, and initiatives – including the Fractionation Development Center – that will revitalize our local economy. I have worked with constituents with individual issues and look forward to continuing to serve the people of Western Maine for another term.

2. Jobs and education are my key issues, followed by health care and the environment. Good jobs require an educated workforce, and we need to innovate in making use of our natural resource base with industries such as biorefineries, and to ensure access to land and waters for our citizens and visitors.

3. Caps on state and local government are already in place, instituted by the Legislature. This, combined with additional funding for education, has lowered property taxes in many towns. TABOR is not the answer and will set Maine back in economic development and education. I do not support TABOR.

4. The major issues in this election are jobs and economic development. I do not believe in discrimination in housing and employment, and I believe that abortion should be legal for women, but that we should work hard to make it safe and rare by access to health care and family planning services.

5. I support Dirigo. I have received letters from businesses and individuals who are happy with the program and the protection it offers. The program’s cost-containment has resulted in savings of $44 million. The Republicans have chosen to knife the program to benefit the insurance companies and their own political agenda.

Copy the Story Link