What will I do for District 139?
Work. I will devote the same measure of energy to this office after the election as I have in campaigning for it.
I see the job of a Representative as having two major aspects. The first is to serve as a go between for citizens and government and not just the government at the State level. From my previous experience in government I could help folks negotiate the maze of agencies to find the right bureau and right person to contact. I would follow-up to ensure responsiveness to the public.
The second principal role of a legislator is lawmaking, which often involves refining what is already on the books. My approach would begin with the primary rule used in the medical field: First: Do no harm. I would consult those who would be delegated the responsibility to enforce a law to see if, in their experience, this would be a helpful change. Will the clear costs be outweighed by the possible benefits? I would be proactive, trying to identify needs to adjust laws before a tragic event triggers the momentum for change.
Agreeing with the concept that the States are the laboratories of democracy, I watch what other States are doing and learn what to avoid, what to consider, and what may, with modification, fit Maine. I believe that policy initiatives should be first tested on a pilot basis on a small scale. In terms of funding any initiative, I would investigate the availability of Federal grants and/or funding from private foundations and not add to the overburdened State budget.
What I have learned as a candidate:
In the course of my door-to-door travels throughout the district in 2006 I experienced a great deal. In my more than 2,000 cold calls I was consistently met with warmth and a generosity of good will. I recommend the experience for re-enforcing one’s faith in the basic goodness and decency of folks. People welcomed me. They also welcomed the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns.
I witnessed the inspiring endurance and grace of the elderly. I have seen the courage of those who live with or have overcome illness. I saw families when they are they’re closest and most at ease – when they are at home. Mostly I have seen District 139 as a place where hard working folks take pride in what they have earned in life - their families, their property.
I have met with former students and their folks and have witnessed the pride in their achievements: starting a career, a business, a family.
I now have a greater affinity for the natural beauty of our home district. I recall the memory that, when I was young and our family moved from the congestion of the Bronx, we relocated to the “country” - which is how we perceived suburban New Jersey. To walk the landscape of Maine is to truly appreciate its magnificence.
I feel that I have already made a positive difference. If just one person filled out a voter registration card and voted, all of the mileage was more than worthwhile. My visits, when children were present, instigated early civics lessons as parents and grandparents answered the question “Who was that guy?”
I look forward to making the rounds through District 139 again this summer and fall.