Since 1992
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The question I get asked most often is this. “Why are you running for state representative?” There are a number of reasons and I would like to share some of them with you so you have a better understanding of why I, or anyone seeking elected office, makes the decision to run.
For years, I sat and watched as Maine’s economy moved closer and closer to the brink of disaster while our elected officials in Augusta continued to blindly move us in the same direction. Their answer was always higher taxes, more regulations on businesses and more government control over our day-to-day lives. I was frustrated. I knew Maine was capable of so much more but the policies coming out of the Maine State House were just backward.
But that is the beauty of a citizens legislature. If you or I don’t like how things are going, regardless of what side of the aisle we’re on, we can stand up, raise our hand and make a difference. That is how the framers of the Maine Constitution drew it up. Regardless of our backgrounds, professions, party affiliation, religious beliefs or whatever things that make us different, anyone can run for the Maine Legislature. Back in 2013, after discussing it with my family, that is exactly what I decided to do. And it has been one of the most fulfilling decisions I have ever made. But don’t take my word for it, the data speaks for itself.
Back in 2010, as I mentioned, Maine was on the precipice of financial ruin. Our unemployment rate was nearing double digits; we owed our hospitals nearly $1 billion in unpaid MaineCare debt; our state’s rainy day fund had a balance of roughly $200,000; and businesses were closing their doors at an alarming rate.
Now, just eight years later, our unemployment rate is down to 3.2 percent, the lowest in decades. We have passed the two largest income tax cuts in Maine history which allows the Maine people and Maine businesses to keep more of their hard-earned money and spend it in their communities instead of sending it to Augusta. Our rainy day fund has more than $200 million, state revenues are much higher than expected and our economy continues to trend upward. I am proud to have supported the policies that have led to this incredible turnaround in such a short period of time.
Despite these successes, we still have a lot of work to do to keep our state on this upward trajectory. I believe we need to fix Maine’s broken referendum process so the people of Maine’s Second Congressional District have more of a voice in the questions that make their way on to the ballot. I also would like to work toward lowering property taxes for all Mainers while also continuing to lower the income tax so you can keep more of your money. And of course, continue to lower our energy costs.
It has been a tremendous honor serving the people of Hiram, Brownfield, Fryeburg, Hiram, Lovell, and Porter in the Maine House of Representatives. I look forward to continuing that service and I am asking for your vote on November 6.
Paid for and authorized by Nathan J. Wadsworth
