PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Mike Willette, of Presque Isle, recently announced his bid for State Senate District 2, which encompasses central and southern Aroostook County, including Presque Isle, Houlton, Fort Fairfield, Easton, Mars Hill and part of Penobscot County. The seat is currently held by Sen. Roger Sherman (R-Houlton), who is prohibited from running again due to term limits.
“I want to make sure our state keeps moving in a positive direction and we continue to experience the growth we have had in the last few years,” said Willette, 44. “While serving in the Legislature in 2011-12, we passed many monumental reforms that have led to private sector job growth, lower health care costs and lower taxes for Maine citizens.
“The 2012 election brought the Democrats back into power in Augusta where they have attempted to grow the size of government and increased taxes at a time when Mainers are still trying to recover from the recession of 2008,” he said. “We need the Legislature to stop focusing on growing government, and instead focus on helping job creators get Mainers back to work and allow them to keep more of their hard-earned money.”
The former state representative for House District 5, Willette said he plans on getting to work supporting pro-growth policies that make Maine a business-friendly state.
“I’m not going to Augusta to find more ways to spend the taxpayers’ money,” he said. “I plan to go to Augusta and work to reduce spending and keep the money in the hands of taxpayers.”
Willette said his previous experience as a member of the Maine House will be an asset to the people of Aroostook County. While serving, he accomplished many things including the Community Paramedicine Bill, which is projected to bring major cost savings for the state.
Willette, who sponsored the legislation that allows soldiers to vote electronically while they are deployed, is a veteran of the U.S. Army, and achieved the rank of E-4P. He is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm where he served as a flight and hyperbaric medic. It was during this time that he received the Desert Storm service medal and the Combat Medic badge.
A former science teacher at Presque Isle High School, Willette holds a bachelor of science degree in biology and chemistry, as well as a degree in secondary education. He is the co-founder and co-owner of Big Bear Real Estate, and has previously worked as a firefighter, auto mechanic, store manager, shift supervisor and EMT. Willette also serves on the board of directors for Balance BPO, a new business he helped bring to Presque Isle.
“I believe the people of Aroostook County are our strongest asset,” said Willette, who is running as a traditionally-funded candidate and will not be taking taxpayers’ money to fund his campaign. “We need someone in the Senate who wants to lift up all the people in The County and create an environment so they can achieve as much success as possible and give the younger generation a reason to stay, not excuses to leave.”
Willette lives in Presque Isle with his wife Pamela (Sites). They have three children: Alexander, Maddison and Sophia.
To contact Willette, call 227-5989 or email Mikeblackbear@gmail.com.
