Scott runs for governor
By Barbara Scott
Kevin Scott, a, 2010 gubernatorial candidate, was born in Rumford and grew up in the town of Mexico. His hard work ethic, honesty and moral values are traced to his family up-brining and the community environment in which he was raised.
Scott is a 1990 graduate of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where he earned a degree in government and politics. In 1998 he established Recruiting Resources International, an employment firm that over the years has placed many professionals in engineering assignments with U.S. based companies that work in safety and security areas.
According to campaign associates, “During this 2010 governor’s campaign many political candidates will be making claims of what they will do for Maine — Scott makes no false claims of personal achievements or promises — rather, he is a man who understands success comes from those who we work with, who we team with, who we count on and trust as we face challenges. His commitment to providing the leadership, courage and common sense that Maine voters are demanding in this day and age is his only campaign pledge.”
Below are Kevin Scott’s answers to questions presented to him by The Aroostook Republican and News.
What do you think are the biggest issues affecting northern Maine at this time?
Scott: Jobs, fuel, cost and sportsmen’s issues. Our native Whitetail deer herd needs protection. My jobs plan is the only one that works in Aroostook, Washington, York and each and every county in Maine. This is on my website listed as Agricultural Policy at www.mainesbestchoice.com.”
What do you think are the biggest issues that residents in Northern Maine are concerned with?
Scott: “Jobs. My plan calls for replacing our current K-12 food procurement practices and sourcing only locally grown food. Whole, local food in our school system cafeterias is achievable; we do have control over this. I firmly believe the future of farming, food safety and our children’s health depends on locally grown food being the primary food sold into our k-12 system.”
“I am the only candidate talking about food and children’s health as well as food and technology which includes: composite engineering R&D for year-round growing structures; lighting and industrial automation; information technology; soil conservation and hydroponics techniques, etc,” Scott added.
The gubernatorial candidate also stated, “This plan creates jobs across many existing industries including concrete workers, local electricians, food packers, biologists, tractor supplies and dealers, plus alternative energy sources and much, much more. We can achieve this plan and lower childhood illnesses caused by our current farming practices. This plan also addresses the reduction of the carbon footprint associated with long distance food delivery requirements. Let’s cultivate a vibrant, recession proof local economy. It is exciting and at our fingertips under the right state leadership.”
Scott also said, “My plan calls for a State Revolving Loan Fund (SRLF) financing model for those farmers and businesses willing to participate and provide local grown foods to our K-12 system. The SRLF is a model currently used in Maine in other industries. With K-12 as a marketplace, Maine’s small and medium-sized family farms will take risk, grow and prosper.”
What qualities make you the best person for this position?
Scott: “I am a strategic thinker and problem solver, with integrity, family values and courage.”
To date, what have you enjoyed most about campaigning for the opportunity to be Maine’s next governor?
Scott: “The people I have met all over our state, the everyday Maine persons who want to see an honest effort made to fix a problem, just like they do in their own lives. People care — the political class and media see people as only voters — this is unacceptable to me.”
Do you feel that northern Maine faces challenges that are different from the rest of the state; if so, what would these specific challenges be?
Scott: Yes, the cost of auto fuel in Aroostook is ridiculously higher than the rest of Maine. Access to decent jobs is a major concern as well. Too much focus is on jobs in our “urban” areas in southern Maine. My plan, outlined previously, is the only jobs plan addressing all of Maine. The County could benefit a great deal from this plan and I will look to Aroostook business and community leaders for help in making this plan happen.”
Many voters in the southern part of the state are opposed to the price tag that comes with correcting some of the priority issues in northern Maine — such as the cost of fixing rail service; the higher cost of gas and home heating fuel; or even raising the pay of our corrections officers to meet equal pay with every other corrections officer within the state. As a governor, how would you address these particular conflicting views of your constituents?
Scott: “Yes, as cited above the cost of gasoline and heating oil are two areas I want addressed right away. The railroad issue was an example of poor leadership in Augusta allowing an issue to gain momentum in the wrong direction. Had I been governor at the time, I would have called on Warren Buffet and other rail investors around the country to work on the long-term solution needed to address this issue.”
“It comes back to jobs and my Agricultural Policy. When you have employment across all job levels, all Maine industries benefit. Lifted by a vibrant agricultural economy we can solve a lot of Maine’s issues. One Maine school districts spends over $675,000 a year on food — that is without federal dollars included. Just one district of hundreds. We can have that money stay in Maine, have healthy children and a win-win for all people of Maine.”
