AUGUSTA -- Senator Douglas M. Smith, a veteran Probate Judge, lawyer, and businessman, announced Friday that he is running for reelection to the State Senate in District 27, covering Piscataquis County and parts of Somerset and Penobscot Counties. He will be running for a second term.
"Maine people realize that Maine is in trouble and they want changes. The great industrial base of northern Maine is dying, helped along by the highest state taxes in the country, excessive regulatory costs, high health and workers compensation costs, and high energy costs. Each of these problems is rooted in state level polices put in place by the state government over the last 25 years," Senator Smith said.
"Maine needs leadership in Augusta that will bring economic changes to the state," Senator Smith continued. "We do not need to continue losing jobs to other states. We must make capital investment a priority so that the people of Piscataquis, Somerset, and Penobscot Counties and elsewhere can find good jobs in Maine."
"I hope to return to Augusta with a majority so that the job of getting Maine on track can begin. The people of Maine deserve action and if returned to Augusta I will do my best to see that it happens."
Senator Smith hopes to pursue changes to the school consolidation plan if re-elected. "I support local education and the state has an obligation to support local schools financially while maintaining local control. The state is trying to balance its own books on the backs of our local schools and that is not appropriate."
Another area of concern for Senator Smith is the rising cost of health insurance and the effect such a high cost has on the business climate in Maine. "Maine needs to reform its health insurance laws to encourage insurance companies to re-enter the Maine market after having been driven out in the 1990's. This reform can be quickly accomplished if Republicans take control of the legislature and implement market reforms to the insurance industry."
He explained, "There must be a new partnership forged between state government and Maine business. Too often state government has made life unnecessarily difficult for business people trying to grow their businesses and provide jobs to Mainers."
Smith's career as a judge, lawyer, businessman, and civic leader over the last 30 years has given him a great opportunity to know Maine and its people.
Despite the challenges ahead Smith is very optimistic about the state's ability to improve its situation. "I know we can tackle these problems successfully if Maine elects legislators who have the desire and will to face head on the challenges we face. We have the tools to bring economic investment to Maine we just need the political will in Augusta to use those tools and bring success to our state."
Senator Smith is currently serving in his first term in the State Senate where he serves on the Natural Resources and Utilities and Energy Committees.
Smith lives in Dover-Foxcroft with his wife of 33 years, the former Cartha Palmer. They have two children, Deron and Amy.
