Feeling Like Hurricane Dean
As I write this, Hurricane Dean is absorbing energy from the warm gulf waters, threatening to become a category-5 storm. Candidate Dean, on the other hand, is recouping from expending a significant amount of energy over the last week.
My week began by conducting several meetings. As I sit down one by one with Mainers, I continue to be emboldened by the words of support. As my candidacy takes shape, so does my message. Subsequently the response I receive becomes consistent.... On more than one occasion I have heard “Its your time Dean.”
Last week I attended the Maine Heritage Policy Center's Annual luncheon, featuring Florida Governor Jeb Bush. It was a fantastic affair. Bill Becker and crew put together an excellent event. Congratulations to State Representative Scott Lansley and Waterville Mayor Paul LePage for their well-deserved awards.
As I have said before, I am a fan of the MHPC because of our common beliefs in bold policy positions. The ideas articulated by Becker and the others at MHPC are always insightful and well reasoned. Jeb Bush is an example of these ideas made manifest. It was refreshing to listen to the governor sharing his observations of the need to re-engineer government with innovative, common sense ideas such as school choice, outsourcing government jobs, the need for a line item veto, etc. It was equally encouraging to hear him express the need for bold, refreshing, political candidates – candidates who are not afraid to take risks – candidates who are backed by solid values and character. According to Jeb, while the ideas are necessary now more than ever, even greater is the need for the type of candidate who is capable of generating and implementing these ideas. The next generation candidate needs to be energetic and resolute or subsequent changes will end up diluted and ineffectual. Without such spirited ideas of innovation, the governor said, candidates should consider why they are even running. I was encouraged by these words, as they describe exactly my approach to my run for office.
Prior to the MHPC event, I was able to spend more than an hour with a fledgling venture capitalist from Portland. He is working on some exciting projects that promise to bring positive opportunities to Portland and the 1st District. He discussed the resulting equity and private sector jobs that would help keep our young people in Maine when his projects succeed. Like me, this gentleman feels that a next generation Portland is capable of ushering in an era of great economic prosperity. Maine is a place where young people with families want to live. Too often they feel as though they can't locate here because the current economic environment won't support their dreams. Sadly, Maine currently attracts more people who come here for the social services than for any economic opportunities. We need to have a candidate who ‘gets it'.
Having worked in this global economy for 15 years, witnessing firsthand the arduous process of getting a successful business off the ground, I do get it. Ronald Reagan, when asked what the difference was between a small businessman and a big businessman, quipped “a big businessman is what a small businessman would be if only the government would get out of the way and leave him alone." Reagan ‘got it'!
Saturday I spent time at the “Celebrate Maine” Festival in my hometown of Eliot. Hats off to Laurel Pollard for putting on a wonderful event! I was able to enjoy some barbeque and speak to some Mainers about the issues that matter to them. Particularly, I spent time State Representative Sally Lewin. Sally is so well informed on all the issues that affect her constituency, it is no wonder she is so popular! We spoke of the failings of Dirigo Choice and discussed ideas on how to resolve the education crisis in Maine. Eliot is fortunate to have someone as invested in their best interests as Sally Lewin. It was good to be close to home as I ran into many familiar faces.
After Eliot, I raced to Saco to attend our first fundraiser. Although it felt more like September, it was a quintessential New England clambake. We enjoyed lobster and steamers while peering through the dune grass at the sparkling sea. It was a wonderful location. Very special thanks to Dick and Vanja Somerville for use of their wonderful home!
Not finished with the day yet, we headed up Rte. 1 to Scarborough to attend SummerFest. I met Annalee Rosenblatt, Chair of the Scarborough GOP Committee. I also met Rep. John McDonough and former State Representative Harold Clough, good Republicans all. Zoe and Jack were accompanied by some of their friends and were anxious to hit the rides, which they did with the energy and enthusiasm that only children are capable of. I headed straight to the booths, meeting and greeting shaking hands and sharing ideas. I met so many wonderful people and absorbed their words of encouragement and support.
One gentleman in particular stands out in my mind, a friend of my father who recalled the name from so many years ago. He rose up out of his wheelchair and spoke words of encouragement to me in both Greek and English. It was a highly inspiring encounter. I played some basketball with the Scarborough High School basketball team, tossed an out pattern to the coach of Scarborough Jr. High Red Storm football team, toured the high tech vehicles of first responders and met some of the local police force.
Darkness fell, the temperature dropped to what Mainers refer to as “good sleeping weather.” The kids demanded one more pony ride and then we headed back home. As is becoming the norm on the campaign trail, Zoe and Jack were asleep by the Wells exit. Zoe had fallen asleep in her car seat wearing her balloon hat (pictured on the photos), a sure sign of a great summer day enjoyed in Maine.
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