Les Fossel is a busy man.

The Republican state senator candidate from Alna serves on eight boards serving Lincoln County and the Midcoast, and runs his business, Les Fossel's Old House Restoration, from his house.

On top of that, Fossel is seeking a Maine State Senate seat. The former state representative is seeking the senator seat for District 13.

District 13 includes all of Lincoln County, save Dresden, and Windsor and Washington in Knox county.

Fossel is again running against Sen. Chris Johnson, D-Somerville. Only 130 votes separated the two in the 2012 elections.

But to make Maine, and the region, healthy again, Fossel said party lines shouldn't and can't stand in the way, and he's the man to reach across the aisle as he has done in legislatures past.

He said he has been endorsed by both sides, and that voting along party lines doesn't solve any of the problems that plague the region. Those problems include inflated or misspent healthcare and education costs, and an economy that needs to reflect the realities of the area.

Fossel said that in places like Lincoln County, there tends to be a seasonal economy, meaning that when the tourist season is over, it becomes disproportionately difficult for people to live in Maine year-round.

“According to the last census, in places like Southport, South Bristol and Boothbay Harbor, there are many, many more houses but the year-round population is declining,” he said. “That partial population is making it harder and harder to live here. We need to figure out a way to make our economy last longer into the year.”

One of the problems is that Maine's tax structures make it difficult to retire to the state, especially when considering inheritance and gains taxes.

“If you surveyed where everyone in this country wanted to retire, I bet Maine would be right near the top of the list,” he said. “But I know people who come to Maine, but are Florida residents (to avoid Maine taxes).

“There needs to be a way to look at a way of taxation that does less damage, and a way to grow our economy. It's not about benefiting just the rich, or the poor or the people in between; there might not be equal opportunity, but there should be a way to provide an adequate opportunity for everyone.”

To get there, the cost of healthcare, which Fossel said has been driven up by unnecessary paperwork and unnecessary facilities, needs to be put under control.

“When you talk to healthcare providers and ask them what percentage of their job is caring for people and what percentage is doing paperwork, they would say it's 50-50,” he said. “That's got to end. People should be doing what they are good at, and what they love. And I don't know anyone who loves paperwork.”

Fossel said that too often it's only the symptoms that are treated; not enough attention is given to the problem. In the case of healthcare, the excessive bureaucracy is what drives up the cost, and needs to be addressed, he said.

If reelected, Fossel said he would work with both sides, or in the background to boost the region.

“If you give people the freedom and the resources they tend to do the right thing,” he said. “It's about service. It's not about an ego boost, it's about serving quietly.”