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Paul Davis is a former Republican leader of the Maine Senate, and currently a county commissioner in Piscataquis County.
Maine is at a crossroad, not too dissimilar to the one we were at in 2010 at the end of Gov. John Baldacci’s era. After eight years of total Democrat rule of Augusta, I believe our state is stuck in an economic malaise that we must break free from. If we don’t break free soon, I worry about the consequences for seniors on fixed incomes and the lack of opportunities for our younger generations.
Gov. Janet Mills and the legislative Democrats have raised taxes on small businesses and working families, they have ballooned the state budget by over 60% in less than eight years and spent nearly a third of the “rainy day fund” on pet projects. Meanwhile, Mainer’s ability to pay for this bloated state government has not improved.
I believe these trends must be reversed. We must grow Maine’s economy, lower energy costs, contain property taxes, and bring fiscal responsibility back to Augusta.
In 2010, I proudly endorsed Paul LePage for governor. I knew he was the right man for the time. Just as in 2010, today there is a strong field of Republican candidates running for governor. Each candidate brings their own unique experiences and expertise with them. I think Maine would be served well should any of them be elected governor this November.
But for me, the strongest candidate is Ben Midgley. Ben has the life experience and background to be Maine’s next successful Republican governor.
Ben has seen both sides of the economic fence in his life. Like LePage, Ben grew up in a low-income family and overcame adversity to rise to great success. At one point in his life, Ben found himself unemployed and needing assistance. To this day, Ben is appreciative of the social safety net that was there to get him through the difficult times. However, he wanted to do better and the only way to improve was through hard work. Midgley’s hard work paid off, capping his 30-year career as the president of Planet Fitness and the CEO and founding partner of the nation’s leading fitness chain, Crunch Fitness Franchising.
Sadly, due to policy decisions in Augusta, I fear Ben’s story is hardly possible now. Today, Mainers receiving welfare benefits are often trapped in a vicious cycle that prevents them from accepting additional hours or promotions. This is because if they earn more money, they lose all their benefits. This strict system not only hurts the welfare recipients but also Maine’s employers looking to hire and retain good workers.
Many working Mainers have lost confidence in our public assistance programs, and for good reasons. There have been numerous reports of fraud, abuse, and non-Mainers receiving Maine benefits. I believe Ben will make sure that Maine benefits are for Maine people, and that those receiving benefits will be able to achieve economic freedom, just as Ben did decades ago.
There is one other factor that sets Ben Midgley apart for me, his family. Sonia Midgley is routinely seen at campaign events supporting her husband. I believe Mainers are ready for a First Family that will proudly represent our state. As a public servant who has been married for over 56 years to my wife Patty, I know firsthand the support that comes from a loving spouse. A lot can be said about Ben Midgley’s character through his strong and supportive marriage.
I hope you will consider joining me in voting for Ben Midgley to be our Republican nominee on June 9.