Since I was first elected to the Maine Legislature, I have been committed to making Maine a better place to live and work and creating opportunities for the next generation.
I am honored to be the first Maine Senate president from Waldo County in 90 years. I have always been proud of my efforts to work with both sides of the aisle, but the moment I first took the gavel as Senate president, the concept of bipartisanship took on new meaning. I was no longer just the leader of only the Republican caucus; I was presiding over the entire Senate.
What I found was the same approach I had used in the Legislature served me well as Senate president: Instead of looking for ulterior motives around every corner, I worked with all interested parties to find common ground.
About a year and a half ago, the pessimists among us feared a state government shutdown over the biennial budget fight. Negotiations spilled over into late nights and weekends without either side willing to budge. As Senate president and one of the chief negotiators, I am proud of the fact that leaders were able to finally find an agreement that kept state government operating. It included tax cuts for low- and middle-class Mainers who need it the most. In addition, we exempted the tax on military pensions for veterans who live in Maine, increased education funding, restored municipal revenue sharing funds and increased the homestead exemption.
I found a way to negotiate the first meaningful welfare reform the Legislature has passed in decades. Democrats had refused to budge on this issue, but this year finally joined Republicans in passing a law that prohibits the improper use of EBT cards.
I also was the sponsor of emergency legislation to address Maine’s growing drug crisis. The bill that passed put more law enforcement officers on the streets and increased funding for drug treatment and education.
Locally, a magnet school that will soon become a reality in Searsport is the result of legislation I worked on with Rep. Jim Gillway, R-Searsport, and members of the Searsport community. The school will offer concentrations in marine science, technology, transportation and engineering, preparing them for occupations that will be relevant in Maine.
I am also proud of my Stolen Valor bill that protects the rights for which our veterans have sacrificed so much.
In the 127th Legislature, I was one of the most successful lawmakers when it comes to getting legislation passed. This does not happen by accident. It happens when you earn the trust and respect of your colleagues.
My opponent in the race for the Waldo County Senate seat — Democrat Jonathan Fulford — has boasted about his use of “clean money,” but the facts don’t back that up. In this campaign cycle, roughly $106,000 has been spent on his behalf, and much of that has been used to say unflattering things about me. Overall, Democrats vying for Maine Senate seats have spent $1.4 million this campaign cycle, outspending Republicans by a three-to-one margin in independent expenditures.
Waldo County residents have been inundated with the campaign ads on TV, radio, online and in their mailboxes. In politics, we have mastered the art of personal destruction as we demonize our opponents rather than offering solutions. But next week they get to choose whether they want candidates who engage in divisive partisan politics or those who work together to find solutions.
I am honored to have the backing of a broad coalition in Waldo County that includes Democrats, Republicans and independents. They are the people I respect the most.
Belfast Mayor Walter Ash, Lincolnville Selectman Rosie Gerry, former Waldo County Rep. Jayne Crosby Giles, former Maine State Librarian Linda Lord, Hamilton Marine owner Wayne Hamilton and Sen. Susan Collins are just a few of the leaders who have come forward to help me. Supporters have donated money, written to the paper, put signs on their lawns and knocked on doors for me.
My campaign has been endorsed by the National Federation of Small Businesses, the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, the NRA, the Maine Association of Realtors, the Maine Credit Union League and many others.
I believe there is something profound happening with this diverse group. Collectively, they are saying that they want legislators who will go to Augusta to work on solutions for the people of Waldo County, not those who will get elected and then retreat into their partisan corners.
I trust the great people of Waldo County to make the right choice.
Mike Thibodeau is the president of the Maine Senate.