Special to the Aroostook Republican
Angus King, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, returned to Aroostook County on July 20 to meet with local farmers to discuss agricultural issues during the Potato Blossom Festival and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for his regional office on 168 State Street in Presque Isle.“We are excited to open this office in Presque Isle, the Star City of the Northeast. I have been meeting with fishermen, veterans, business and industry leaders across the state and I met with more than a dozen farmers to talk about the issues they feel are important to them. Advancing agricultural policy in Congress is critical but can’t happen unless and until we also work together to fix the process in our nation’s capital that is now broken,” said King, who is running as an Independent for the seat currently held by Sen. Olympia Snowe.
Marge Kilkelly, policy director, was on site to answer questions along with King. “The food was catered by The Crow’s Nest Restaurant and we were very appreciative of their efforts to provide a good lunch for the meeting as well as finger foods for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Angus is starting in The County. He wants to start with a clean slate and build on what people are saying,” she said.
Patti Leblanc is the volunteer office manager and a longtime King supporter.
The candidate had many events planned for the Maine Potato Blossom Festival. On July 23rd, he left from Fort Kent on a motorcycle tour of the state with many stops along the way. The four-day ride would pass through towns and cities throughout Maine and would also act as a food drive effort. Canned goods will be collected along the way by those joining the ride and will be donated to local food pantries.
“Maine is a great state for a bike ride and this trip will take us to many of the smaller communities which often aren’t on a candidate’s agenda. I’m sure we’ll talk issues, but it’s also a chance for me to relax a bit and do some listening. The best part is that you can’t answer the phone on a bike,” the former Maine governor from Brunswick said.
