Why I’m Running for the Maine Legislature
Gary Friedmann

I was thirteen years old in the summer of 1969 when America’s astronauts first stepped foot on the moon. This event was much more than simply a technological or nationalistic triumph. It demonstrated how much people, working together, can accomplish in an incredibly short time. It united human kind across the world in celebration of a peaceful achievement.

That view, 39 years ago, of earthrise over the moon moved me deeply. There, floating alone against the blackness of space was our blue and white planet – a miracle of life in the universe.

We’ve only got one home and one chance to prove our ability as responsible stewards. We must work together to reverse global warming and clean up the toxins in our food, air and water.

It’s time for leaders across this state and throughout the country to step up to the challenges before us. It’s time to set our sights on goals based on hope instead of fear.

I built a small business here helping nonprofit organizations grow and prosper. I was successful raising millions of dollars because of my ability to listen carefully to people, help articulate a common vision, and fight hard for our goals. That’s why I’m running to represent this community that I love in the Maine Legislature. I am excited by the challenges our State is facing and by the possibility of bringing the same from-the-grassroots-up approach to Augusta.

Let’s make it Maine’s priority to Grow Smart – building a sustainable economy powered by efficient, clean energy sources. We can and must reduce Maine’s carbon emissions 80% by the year 2050.

Let’s make a priority of tax reform that reduces the tax burden on Maine residents and reduces reliance on property taxes.

Let’s make it our State’s priority to build strong communities with locally-owned and operated businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of Maine’s economy. I know first-hand the importance of affordable healthcare and housing, improved communications and transportation infrastructure, and working waterfronts.

Let’s strengthen locally-controlled education through a collaborative, community-based planning process.

Let’s make Maine a BioTech leader through investment in research and development at our biological laboratories and funding for higher education.

We have the resources in Maine and the United States to achieve any goal we can imagine. Together, let’s mobilize those resources to heal this planet and strengthen our local communities that mean so much to us all.