My wife, Linda Hermans, and I have lived in Dresden for forty years.  We raised our three children here,  built lasting friendships, and survived a devastating house fire (and rebuilt).  My parents taught me at an early age that you don’t run and hide from the problems of our world, you work to fix them, you contribute to the common good. And so, I am running to represent the residents of District 53.

I have spent my career helping  people navigate systems that often feel overwhelming and that are all too often unfair. For more than forty years I practiced law in Augusta, much of that time representing people with disabilities or families facing financial crises. I saw firsthand how economic hardship and  illness can make life incredibly difficult.  I tried to listen to people,  to understand their problems, and to help them find a path forward.

Likewise, Linda  practiced medicine at the Richmond Area Health Center  helping people understand and make decisions about their healthcare. Together we have developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families in rural Central Maine.   We care deeply about people and about our community.  And, we believe that our communities are stronger when we work together.

For too long,  too many people have felt left behind by an economy that increasingly benefits those who already have the most. I believe that our politics and our government work best when they are not treated as a zero sum game; rather, we do better when we all do better. Government, in short, should work for the ordinary person.

We need policies that truly support  our children, working families, people with disabilities, seniors, and small businesses and farmers.

We need to recreate superb schools.

We need to make sure our citizens have affordable access to excellent health care.

We need to preserve and create affordable housing

We need to protect and preserve our public lands and rivers.