RUMFORD — Len Greaney of Rumford Center has announced his candidacy for state Senate District 14. He is challenging Sen. John Patrick, D-Rumford, for the seat as an independent candidate.

Greaney, who was enrolled as a Democrat and then as a Republican before becoming an independent, said he changed parties without “changing his principles and values.”

It seems “the two major parties have introduced a new and unacceptable level of dysfunction in Augusta and in Washington. This is the time for voters to set aside their party politics allegiance and focus attention on important bi-partisan issues needing resolution,” he said.

He believes that his business, personal and municipal experiences relate “very well to the 16 Maine Legislature Standing Committees,” he said.

“Maine is experiencing a serious economic downturn affecting the lives of numerous willing workers. Our new college graduates, other unemployed and under-employed citizens are looking for legislative leadership to support the businesses we depend upon for job creation,” he said.

“The Legislature must commit to eliminate the perception of Maine as an entitlement society to retain and attract businesses. Clearly, we must provide a safety net for children, the handicapped and the elderly without sustaining or expanding entitlements for able-bodied citizens,” he said.

Greaney, a retired senior manufacturing/engineering manager and process consultant for two Fortune 500 computer companies, is a former town manager in Rumford. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he is the former co-chairman of the RSU 10 Consolidation Committee, a board member of WVAC TV7, a member of SCORE, and the American Legion and Oakdale Country Club.

He is married to Mary E. (Hoyt) Greaney.