FARMINGTON – First term State Senator Walter Gooley has officially launched his re-election campaign. In a second term, Sen. Gooley will continue to champion real change and bold solutions that will guarantee a better future for all Maine families.
“There is still a lot to do in Augusta,” Sen. Gooley said. “I want to go back to the Senate to continue working for the changes that will lower taxes and bring new jobs to Maine, promote affordable energy and mainstream environmental conservation, introduce affordable high quality health care options, and protect local control of our schools.”
Prior to his term in the Senate, Sen. Gooley served four terms in the State House of Representatives. He has served on the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety; and Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committees, and is the current ranking member on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee. He directed the forest management program in the Department of Conservation, as well as the Information Education program. He is a professional forester, offering consulting services to woodland owners as well as growing Christmas trees year-round.
Sen. Gooley has already identified the first three bills he plans to submit when he returns to Augusta for a second term. His first bill will authorize an independent state-wide audit of every state government program and department to identify fraud and waste, and return those misused dollars to Maine taxpayers. His second bill is a patient-centered health insurance reform bill to finally allow Maine families to purchase health insurance plans from out-of-state insurers at a much lower cost. His third bill would reduce the cost of driving in Maine by eliminating the automatic increase in the gas tax, as well as the sales tax on any new hybrid vehicle.
“We need leaders in Augusta who aren’t afraid to offer solutions that will protect Maine values and promote real tax relief and a strong economy,” Sen. Gooley said. “I’m ready to go back to Augusta to work for those solutions and to serve as a strong voice for bold change.”
Sen. Gooley and his wife, Joanne, have two children and four grandchildren. They live in Farmington where they enjoy skiing, golfing and planting Christmas trees. His Senate district includes all of Franklin County (with the exception of Jay), and the Towns of Mercer, Smithfield, Belgrade, Fayette, Mount Vernon, Readfield, Rome, Vienna and Wayne.
To volunteer with the Gooley for Senate District 18 Committee, contact Sen. Gooley at 778-2368, or at wgooley@hciwireless.net.
