Party affiliation: Independent

Date of birth: August 29, 1950

Hometown: Wilton

Occupation: Manager environment; associate professor, UMF

Education: Bachelor’s in forestry, Univversity of Tennessee; master’s in agronomy, University of Maine; Ph.D. in forest resources, University of Maine

Community organizations: Wilton Congregational Church, Wilton Lions, Franklin Grange 50, Wilton Lodge 156, Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice Board of Directors, Western Maine Community Action Board of Directors, Wilton Youth Baseball, Farm Bureau, Sandy River Riders, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine

Personal information (hobbies, etc.): Serving the people of District 90

Family status: Widower; two children; one dog

Years in the Legislature: Four

Clean Election candidate?: Yes

Committee assignments: Natural Resources; Fish and Wildlife; co-chairnman, Rural Caucus

1. I am running to make Maine, particularly the towns in my district, a better place to live, work and play. I want to create a positive business climate that attracts jobs to our area so our young people do not have to leave the state seeking employment.

2. My primary goal will be to create an improved business climate and improve the opportunities for young and old alike.

3. TABOR will have a positive effect on the Maine economy. It will force us to live within our means. Frankly, my opinion does not count. My vote in the Legislature will be determined on how a majority of my district votes. Their voice is more important than my personal feelings.

4. It is important to put these issues behind us for the time being. We need to focus our efforts on the economy, taxes and business climate. My voting record speaks to my position on these issues.

5. Sadly, Dirigo needs a major rework. I hope the select committee comes up with some meaningful reform. Solutions must include efforts to increase competition in the health insurance market. This can be done by modifying the community ranking, eliminating mandates and creating a high risk pool.

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