SABATTUS — Nicholas Gayton of Sabattus is a candidate for the Maine House of Representatives, District 57, which comprises Sabattus and Greene.

The seat is held by Republican Steve Wood of Greene.

Gayton, 24, is a native of Sabattus. He received his associate degree in criminal justice from Central Maine Community College in 2014 and his bachelor’s in history from the University of Southern Maine in May. He is a first-term Budget Committee member for Sabattus.

In a written statement, Gayton credits his interest in serving the public to his family, which has a long history of community service. “I was taught from an early age that every one of us has a moral obligation to do what we can to move society in a positive direction.

“I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to serve my community and contribute to society,” he said. “I believe it is the role of government to represent the people and I intend to do just that.”

Gayton’s top three areas of interest include: addressing the cuts in state funding to public schools, finding new solutions to Maine’s growing drug issue, and attracting businesses to Maine, which will result in high-paying jobs.

“I am open-minded to new ideas; however, I will take a hard look at what is working versus what could work better,” he said.

“Maine is home for all of us, thus we all have a stake as well as a responsibility for its successes or failures,” Gayton said. “The growing drug issue, mills closing, gridlock within the current Legislature and economic instability shows that Maine is down, but it is certainly not out. I believe that together, as Mainers, we can accomplish great things for the future advancement of our communities and state.”