The foundation of our democracy is the engagement of its people.
People can't get engaged if they can't eat. They can't get engaged if they are working two jobs and still cannot afford to keep and heat their home. And people can't get engaged if their child has a high fever and no health insurance. We not only measure our economic future, but our democratic future on how we address these issues while protecting what it is that makes Maine such an incredible place to live.
I was born and raised in Western Maine, and was there the day our town went down in history as the last town in the country to get rid of the crank phone. Yes, the crank phone! I started out as a public relations person, but ended up doing public relations, citizen lobbying, community organizing and public policy work - all focused on eliminating barriers to the engagement of our people.
As part of that commitment, I am a founding Board Member of Opportunity Maine Campaign, a non-profit organization that used the citizen's initiative process to get legislation passed designed to make college more affordable for all Mainers. This has been one of the greatest experiences of my life, providing me an opportunity to talk with Mainers across the entire state about the impact an educated workforce can have on the long-term sustainability of our economy. FMI: www.opportunitymaine.org.
Additionally, I serve on the citizen board of Common Cause Maine. In that role, my colleagues and I negotiated a pilot project on ranked choice voting that should take place in 2009. Additionally, I have worked with Jon Bartholomew, Dr. John Koza and the good folks at Maine Street Solutions to move the National Popular Vote Compact forward here in Maine. If this passes, we will be one step closer to directly electing the President of the United States.
Recently, I was asked to run for representative in the Maine State House, District 120, in Portland. I have accepted the invitation to run and look forward to meeting more of my neighbors. It is important to have positive debates about how best to ensure sustainable economic development, job growth and fair taxation while also protecting and preserving the best of Maine's landscape and culture.
Part of engaging people is being willing to hear from folks and encourage them to become part of the process. To that end, please send me a message. I am always up for a cup of coffee with people interested in career options, politics and just plain networking.
Best wishes, as always!
