Haines runs for District 7 seat
By Kathy McCarty
TROY HAINES
MAPLETON — A local man is looking for the public’s support come Election Day, as he competes for the Dist. 7 seat currently held by Rep. Patricia Sutherland, D-Chapman.
“I’m the Democratic candidate for Dist. 7, which encompasses the communities of Oxbow, Masardis, Wade, Washburn, Littleton, Monticello, Hammond, E. Plantation, Chapman, Castle Hill, Mapleton, and parts of Presque Isle and Crouseville,” said Troy Haines.
Running for office is something Haines, age 30, said he’s “always wanted to do.”
As a resident and businessman — he owns his own meat-cutting business, SPW Meat Cutting in Mapleton — he said he knows how hard life can be for an individual trying to make a living and maintain a home in these trying economic times.
“Washburn was the hardest hit by school consolidation in the state; its mil rate has increased 6 points over the past two years — in part due to revaluation, a cut in the Homestead Exemption and the consolidation issue. We need to figure out a way to get the tax burden down,” said Haines.
“Washburn has one of the highest per-capita fixed income number of households, with 200 seniors. There are currently about 45 houses for sale in the community,” said Haines. “It’s a vicious cycle that needs to be solved. We need to get state revenue sharing and the Homestead program back where it was.”
Haines has spent a great deal of time over the past several months, going door-to-door to hear citizens’ concerns.
“I’ve been going out, meeting people. I’ve found many people are suffering; they need real jobs,” said Haines. “If elected, I’ll work to reduce individuals’ tax burdens.”
As a business owner, he knows the cost of doing business — from the basics of operating costs such as lights and heat, to the often-overlooked expenses of paying into unemployment, worker’s compensation and health insurance. Haines said too often, people have to decide between health coverage and putting food on the table.
“I’ve worked the last couple years advocating for federal policy changes, such as access to quality health care and good jobs. I’ve worked in D.C. with Sens. Snowe and Collins and Congressman Mike Michaud on federal policy. One of the things we need the most is to fix the problem we have with legislators and their ability to listen to their constituents. They need to be available to the people who elected them,” said Haines, citing the importance of returning phone calls and being accessible and available to the people legislators serve.
According to Haines, Aroostook County covers about 7,000 square miles and has seven legislators; Portland, by contrast, covers about 22 square miles and has eight legislators. If selected to fill the Dist. 7 seat, Haines will work to bring equality to the system.
“If we’re going to discontinue marginalizing Maine, we have to discontinue the policy of marginalizing northern/rural Maine. This district is 14 towns and every one is important,” Haines said.
In meeting with his future constituents, he’s learned a lot about what affects them and what they’re looking for in the way of change.
“I’ve been out talking with folks. One thing people are very concerned about is welfare. The vast majority understand there are those who need a hand up and not a handout. Maine has the lowest rate of welfare fraud of any state,” said Haines.
Haines said part of that is due to Maine’s strong history of responsibility in the workplace.
“The scariest thing in our society is the loss of a work ethic; that’s what Maine has going for it. The County has a reputation of being a place where people know how to work, but we’re losing that. We need to keep it so we can live here and get by — maintain quality of life and create more good-paying jobs,” he said.
Education is a key element to attracting businesses and ensuring a livable wage. Haines said having a sound infrastructure and the staff to maintain it is important as well.
“We need to support our teachers. Education is on the frontline of every society. We need to support our public servants,” he said.
When considering the best candidate for the Dist. 7 seat, voters must take into consideration who is most qualified.
“If you’re sending someone to represent you in Augusta with regard to taxes, health care, education and the economy, that person has to be someone with experience,” said Haines. “I am rictthat person.”
Haines said he’s looking forward to representing the communities of Dist. 7.
“I think I’m the right person for this job. I’ve lived in northern Maine all my life — am an outdoorsman and small business owner. I’ve seen how over the last decade it’s gotten harder to live in northern Maine,” said Haines. “To maintain the quality of life you need a strong voice in Augusta to advocate for that. If elected, I’ll be that voice.”
