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When I returned to the Maine Senate in 2017, I didn’t know what to expect, especially from my fellow Aroostook County senator, Troy Jackson. What I learned about Troy makes me confident that he should be Maine’s next governor.
Troy can be blunt, wears his heart on his sleeve and cusses every so often. More importantly, I saw that he never compromises on his values, even when it would be easier or to his own personal gain. Serving with Troy, I came to admire his grit, his sincerity, and his commitment to those values.
I witnessed Troy’s courage on display when it came to advocating on behalf of Maine people. His single-minded focus on improving lives never wavered. I watched Troy take on the special interests, like the pharmaceutical companies, and deliver for people who were counting on him, like saving the Maine Veterans Home in Caribou.
Troy was raised in the sometimes cruel, always beautiful land we call The County. He watched his family and neighbors work incredibly hard while their big landowner got rich and discarded workers when they were used up. Troy hurts over the outrageous costs of health care, the elusive dream of affordable housing and — most of all — the fleeting mirage of the American dream.
As governor, I believe Troy would aggravate monied interests and never turn his back on his dreams. I hope that Maine Democrats will support this good man for governor, just like me, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and many others.
Michael Carpenter
Houlton
