In Powerball
FF man sees opportunity to solve problems
The idea of having almost a billion dollars was a draw to Steve Coleman, a Fort Fairfield resident awaiting a kidney transplant, although it also made him thankful for what he has.
“If it’s used right, you could do a lot of good with that money,” said Coleman, as he received kidney dialysis in Presque Isle Monday afternoon after buying a ticket for the multi-state lottery.
He and his finance, a home health worker, rarely gamble, but they bought Powerball tickets inspired by the off chance they might win, keep some and then give the rest away.
“We’d buy a car, a small house, put a little into businesses, go to college,” Coleman said. He’d also want to open a downtown hobby store, an extension of his eBay business selling comics and collectibles.
But he’d want to redirect the bulk of it outwards.
“I’d keep a million and then give the rest away,” Coleman said, rattling off a list of worthy causes — after-school programs, drug treatment, education, conservation and affordable housing. “Who needs a billion dollars?”
He suggested that renovating Aroostook County’s unoccupied homes for seniors and lower-income individuals would be a good investment project for a philanthropic-minded winner.
“There are so many houses and apartments that are just sitting around. We should put the homeless in houses, give them a chance to get a job.”
If he doesn’t win, and he’s knows he almost certainly will not, Coleman said he’s thankful for what he has — a loving partner and relatively good health.
He lost 70 pounds last year, started exercising and eating better, and is on track to receive a kidney transplant. Also, the dialysis — 12 hours per week hooked up to a blood filtration machine — isn’t so bad compared to other, older patients, and it gives him a chance to watch TV, which he doesn’t have at home.
“I have an easy time. I’m never sick.”
