Why Democrats Should Vote for Steve Rowe on Tuesday
Primary time is almost here. Political signs on wire stakes have sprouted up and invaded every intersection and lane divider in the state. Candidates have elbowed their way between commercials for cars and breakfast cereal during the local news, cheerfully proclaiming why they should have what is arguably the worst job in the state.
I’m a Democrat, so I’ll be voting in the Democratic primary, and I’ll be casting my vote for Steve Rowe. Here are the reasons why I’ve chosen him:
Experience
There’s no shortage of candidates this year professing their complete lack of public service experience as though it were a badge of honor. I share the general sentiment with many Mainers that if you’re a business owner, and an employee isn’t doing his or her job, then you fire them. But you wouldn’t go out of your way to replace that employee with someone who has a blank rèsumè. Some people may extend the “fire the ineffective” logic to mean we need new blood in Augusta in the form of rookie leaders. I couldn’t disagree more. Maine is in some dire economic straits right now, and it isn’t the time for a governor who needs on-the-job training.
Steve Rowe has plenty of experience in both private and public sectors. In fact, I challenge anyone in either party to find a candidate with a better rèsumè than Rowe’s. He earned his Masters of Business Administration, and has effectively managed teams at several large Maine-based businesses. As a legislator, he was elected by his peers as Speaker of the House, and chaired committees for Economic Development and Research and Development (the latter being near and dear to my geek heart). As Attorney General, few others have fought on the side of Mainers as effectively as he has. He’s directly tackled issues from clean water to domestic abuse, from prescription drug prices to predatory lending practices. As governor, he’ll be continue to be a confident voice for all of Maine.
Personal Character
I don’t know Steve Rowe personally, but I know several people who do. All of them say the same thing; they say what an outstanding person he is. That’s a pretty rare thing to hear about a politician. I’ve heard heartwarming stories about things he’s done for victims of domestic abuse and families of vets, with no expectation of media attention or public gratitude. Steve Rowe is the real deal – he’s not just another attention-grabbing opportunist running for office.
Steve Rowe graduated from West Point with a degree in Mathematics and Engineering (another thing near and dear to my geek heart). He’s held logistical and financial leadership positions in the military. He earned his MBA by attending night and weekend classes. In short, Rowe is a hard-working, loyal, and thoughtful man who “walks the walk.”
Speaking of “walking the walk,” one of my most popular blog posts was one where I researched the companies who created the candidate’s web sites. Unlike some of the candidates, Steve Rowe hired a Maine based company to build his site.
Issues
Everyone in Maine can recall a shoe factory, paper mill, wood products plant, or textile mill that shut down in his or her hometown. Manufacturing packed up and left the state years ago with the advent of globalization. It’s folly to think that those businesses will ever return with the presence they once had. The new Maine will need new industry to steady our economic ship. Steve Rowe’s plan for Maine is to invest in our greatest resources, like sustainable forestry, aquafarming, and clean energy. He envisions making Maine “energy independent.” Our high energy costs are a large hurtle to businesses in Maine, and Steve Rowe’s plan to make Maine a leader in wind energy will lower energy costs and create jobs.
Steve Rowe recognizes the importance of early childhood education and has made it a centerpiece of his plan for education. As a legislator, he worked for technology upgrades at our universities and community colleges. He will also work to further integrate Maine’s 2-year and 4-year institutions, which will make higher education (a critical component of a growing economy) more accessible to all Mainers.
Rowe has been a champion of community-based health centers and understands the importance of preventative care in reducing the cost of health care in Maine .
Steve Rowe believes in marriage equality and will continue to fight for the rights of all Maine families.
Steve Rowe for Maine
I’ve never put a bumper sticker on my car during primary season until Steve Rowe ran for governor. He is the leader with the experience that our state needs right now. I hope you vote for him on Tuesday.
