My name is Matt Stone, and if you’re a resident of Maine State Senate District 14, I’m running to be your state senator.
I was born in Brunswick, grew up in Litchfield, and now reside in West Gardiner. Though only 30 years old, I have career experience in both politics and the private sector. I started out working for former state Sen. Peter Mills, appointed by Gov. LePage to clean up corruption at the Maine Turnpike Authority. I went on to work at a not-for-profit credit union, where I helped fellow Mainers find long-lasting solutions to their financial problems. I saw first-hand the economic challenges working families face, whether it be in the form of rising prescription drug costs or burdensome student debt. I learned never to judge a person by their credit score. As we say in credit unions, “Life Happens, Debt Happens.”
I’m running for the Maine Senate because I’m unhappy with the voting record of our current state senator. She’s a nice lady, but her voting record is not so nice. Too often she puts the interests of her party and lobbying groups ahead of those of everyday Mainers.
For example, on LD 673, she voted to take away the hard-earned tips of our restaurant workers in favor of a flat wage. On LD 1781, she voted against a measure to help Maine’s largest employer, Bath Iron Works, remain competitive in the market.
My brother-in-law works at BIW. His family depends on that income to survive and grow, as do many other families. When my state senator votes the wrong way, it has real consequences for my family and neighbors.
If I have the honor of serving you in the Maine Senate, I will always put the interests of our people first. If that means upsetting party bosses or special interest groups, then so be it. I’m not afraid to make enemies when I know I’m doing the right thing.
We live in a time of political upheaval. Our current state senator was a longtime lobbyist before getting elected. She’s representative of the old system. It’s time to send a young outsider with steely resolve to take on the entrenched special interests in Augusta. Whether it’s fighting monied special interests or the party machines, I will always put Mainers first.
I hope to earn your trust, confidence, and vote this November 6th.
Matt Stone is the Republican candidate for Maine State Senate District 14, which includes the towns of Chelsea, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Monmouth, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, West Gardiner & Winthrop.
