The importance of a strong social safety net has never been more apparent than during the COVID19 pandemic. I decided to seek election as Representative of the citizens of District 90 because even before the pandemic I saw that safety net failing many of those in the District, and beyond, who work very hard to do all the right things but cannot make ends meet or have an effect on today’s most complex challenges.

The social safety net is failing in that not every Mainer has access to quality healthcare. Healthcare is a basic human right. Unfortunately, access to affordable quality healthcare is out of reach for far too many. I believe that everyone should have affordable access to quality healthcare.

The social safety net is failing in making sure that we, and future generations, breath clean air, drink clean water, and are protected from the real effects of climate change. We all want to be safe in this world. We must take immediate action to address issues affecting our environment.

The social safety net is failing in making sure that communities have all the resources needed to offer our children a superior education and in making sure that those seeking an education beyond high school are not saddled with crushing debt. A strong education system provides opportunity for everyone to achieve their goals. Everyone should have the opportunities that come from a solid education.

Each of these social safety net failures stem from complex problems and have huge economic impacts. If elected, I will use my professional advocacy and LEADERSHIP skills to strength these social safety nets.

I grew up in Hancock County (Brooksville and Ellsworth) in a commercial fishing family. My father and uncle had a couple of lobster boats until they decided to build a couple of steel boats and go ground fishing.

Although she had many part-time jobs, my mother was essentially a stay at home mom. When my four brothers and I were big enough to take more care of ourselves, she pursued training as a nurse and earned Certified Nurse’s Aid (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and ultimately, Registered Nurse (RN) credentials.

I was a first-generation college student. I earned a degree in business/political science from the University of Maine at Farmington, an MBA from the University of Southern Maine, and my law degree from the University of Maine School of Law. I am very grateful for the education I received from the University of Maine System.

I have lived in Newcastle for over twenty years where I share a home with my wife, Susan (a math and robotics teacher at Lincoln Academy) and our three sons: Luke, 24, Austin, 15, and Joseph, 12.

I practice law and manage a staff of two other lawyers and a legal assistant out of my office in Damariscotta. Throughout my career I have taken many local, state-wide, and national leadership roles.

I am a Clean Election Candidate. Thank you to everyone who made contributions to help me receive certification as a Clean Election Candidate.