When my wife and I had the opportunity to move anywhere in the Northeast for my job, we thought carefully about where we wanted to build our future. We had visited Maine before and always hoped that one day we could call it home. When that opportunity finally came, Maine stood out.

It still had a strong independent spirit, and it felt like the perfect place not just to move to, but to finish raising our family. So we packed up our belongings and made our way to Boothbay.

In 2018, Maine offered the best of both worlds: a few modern conveniences, breathtaking scenery, and a strong sense of community. The schools were solid, our towns were clean, safe, and welcoming, and while we enjoyed a quieter way of life, we were still close enough to places like Portland and Bangor for specialized care, events, and opportunities.

Over the past several years, however, many of us have noticed real challenges emerging across our state. Issues like housing availability, rising costs, access to healthcare, and the performance of our schools are concerns we hear about every day. Families are feeling the pressure of higher taxes, energy bills, and grocery prices, and many are asking important questions about transparency and accountability in government.

I believe those concerns deserve to be heard and addressed. Because when the government is transparent, it builds trust. When leaders are accountable, it strengthens our communities. And when we work together, we can find solutions that serve everyone. One thing I hear often is how frustrated people feel when new issues seem to pop up, one after another. 

I believe that frustration shows how deeply people care about our state and our future. Instead of letting it divide us, we can use that energy to have real conversations and work together on solutions.

I want Maine to be a place that fully supports and values all of its citizens, born and unborn. I want us to take seriously any concerns raised at the national level, including questions about potential fraud, and ensure they are met with transparency and accountability.

I want to see more of our housing used to support Maine families.  And I believe we must always stand firmly for the safety and well-being of our young women. Despite the challenges, I am optimistic. I believe in the people of Maine, and I believe in the people of District 48.

I believe we all want a future where our communities are strong, our families can thrive, and our state remains a place we are proud to call home. That’s why I’m running: to listen, to serve, and to work alongside you to move our state forward, to make a better, sustainable Maine.