Democracy works best when people trust that government is fair, transparent, accountable, and responsive to ordinary citizens — not just wealthy interests or outside influence. Across the country, people are losing faith in institutions because they feel ignored while costs rise and communities struggle.
Maine has a proud tradition of civic engagement, independent thinking, and local control. We must protect that tradition.
Bob's Plan
Action Plan for Rural Maine
Bold action is needed to build a bright future for Maine
Cap Property Tax Increases for Year-Round Residents. Create a homestead stabilization system so full-time Mainers aren't taxed out of their homes by luxury and seasonal property sales.
Make Second-Home and Absentee Owners Pay Their Fair Share. Reform the tax structure so seasonal ownership contributes proportionally to the pressure it places on local housing, infrastructure, and services.
Build Workforce Housing That Fits Rural Communities by fast-tracking small-scale projects: Main Street apartments, ADUs, and village infills.
Protect Rural Hospitals and Expand Access to Care by stabilizing funding for community health centers, strengthening EMS and emergency services, and expanding telehealth.
Invest in Broadband, Roads, and Infrastructure to unlock jobs, healthcare, and education for rural families.
Grow Year-Round Careers, Not Just Seasonal Jobs. Support forestry, manufacturing, agriculture, small business, and trades - an economy that lets people build viable lives.
Revitalize Downtowns and Village Centers. Encourage adaptive reuse of vacant buildings, historic district creation, and public-private partnerships that bring investment back to Main Street.
Protect Democracy and Local Control. Ensure transparent government, accessible elections, campaign finance rules that block big money influences, and state policies that reflect rural needs — not just urban priorities.
Lower energy and grocery costs. Increase utility pricing transparency, support local agriculture and regional food systems, and pursue energy policies that reduce the load on rural families.
Expand Career and Technical Education and Apprenticeships. Connect students directly to high-demand careers — electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, logging equipment operators, nurses, teachers, first responders — with affordable training pathways and workforce housing support.