Party affiliation: Republican

Date of birth: October 8, 1937

Hometown: Waterford

Occupation: Retired educator, government administrator

Education:

Community organizations: Member, Board of Directors of Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce and co-chairman of the Chamber’s Legislative/Advocacy Committee; member, Advisory Committee to the Western Maine University and Community College Center; member, Board of Directors of Volunteers of America/ Northern New England; member, Oxford Hills Rotary; member of several Masonic bodies and current Master of Mt. Tir’em Lodge, A.F. & A.M. in Waterford

Personal information (hobbies, etc.): Farming, golf, baseball/softball, community service, travel, etc.

Family status: Married; five children; seven grandchildren

Years in the Legislature: Eight

Clean Election candidate?: No

Committee assignments: House chairman, Education Committee; Appropriations and Financial Affairs

1. I have been interested, and an active participant, in government throughout my adult life. I view serving in the Legislature as a very important example of public service and, given my extensive background in state government and financial management, I can make an important contribution to public policy at the state and local levels.

2. I want to work to create a strong regional and statewide economy that encourages job creation/retention and supports a business climate that allows employers to succeed, and employees to prosper, in an increasingly competitive marketplace. I also am committed to curbing unnecessary state spending.

3. I believe the signers of the TABOR petitions were sincerely motivated around the need to send a message to state politicians that our current state/local tax burden is unacceptably high and that restraining the rate of future growth in spending is the only path to economic recovery and a lowered tax burden. I will be supporting Question 1.

4. I have a “moderate” philosophy regarding social issues. I believe government has a responsibility to help those who are unable to help themselves and will oppose any acts of intentional discrimination or instances where individuals are taken advantage of by others (e.g. physical, child or sexual abuse).

5. I served on the Joint Select Committee that recommended DirigoChoice as a vehicle to make affordable health insurance available to employees in small businesses, the self-employed and the working poor. I also believe the “savings offset payment” provision has proven unworkable and we need to seriously consider the Blue Ribbon Commission’s recommendations before proceeding with the current product and non-competitive insurance market.

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