Experience matters
To the editor:
On November 4, we in House District 146, (Perham, Woodland, Wade, Washburn, Castle Hill, Mapleton, Chapman, Westfield, Mars Hill and Blaine) have an opportunity to elect a local, dedicated advocate for Aroostook County to work for us in Augusta.
Troy Haines, a bright, articulate Mapleton small business owner will be a strong legislative voice for our rural district. As someone who has run a small business for 11 years, created jobs, met a payroll, and paid property and business taxes, Troy understands the issues facing small businesses and struggling families; issues of health care, heating and energy costs, elder care, agriculture and education.
A University of Maine graduate, Troy Haines has lived, worked, voted and paid taxes in the district for 35 years. A knowledgeable problem solver, he has worked extensively with statewide agencies such as Farm Bureau, Maine Organic Farmers’ and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), Maine Farmland Trust (MFT), and Maine Sustainable Agriculture Society (MESAS) in support of local, sustainable agriculture. Troy understands both the plight and the potential of Aroostook County family farms. In addition, Troy’s 13 years of experience as a municipal employee for Mapleton/Chapman/Castle Hill has provided insight into the problems of small town government.
Troy Haines has a very youthful, inexperienced opponent, Dustin White, and while I applaud young people getting involved, I am concerned about what this opponent can contribute to solving the many serious problems the next legislature will have to tackle. I’m not sure what a 23-year-old with limited work and life experience can bring to the legislative table to deal with economic development, education reform and funding, healthcare, agriculture, protecting the environment, the rapidly growing crisis of how to care for our elderly population, or the rising property taxes, we’re all facing.
A recent municipal Candidate Forum hosted by Van Buren, provided voters the opportunity to judge the candidates’ qualifications, political views, speaking ability and evidence of independent thought. Troy Haines was there. His opponent skipped the event, (the only candidate to do so), so we are left with many unanswered questions. Then there is the residency issue. There is a real possibility that Dustin White lives outside the district. He, only in the last month, changed his residence from Presque Isle to claim that he lives with an aunt and uncle in Washburn. This situation invalidates his candidacy and does not inspire confidence. We need someone who legitimately lives in the district, and wants to serve its people, not someone who is looking to pad a resume.
Voters in District 146 deserve a representative ready to go to work. Troy Haines has been a hard working member of this district all his life and has the knowledge, work ethic, skills and experience that hardworking families can count on. I urge you to join me in voting for Troy Haines for District 146.
Stan Maynard
Orchard Hill Farm
Woodland
