Having served in the Maine State Police for 24 years, in the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department as a jail administrator and in the Maine Legislature for eight years, I’ve had more than my share of opportunities to observe people. Hopefully, in these 30-plus years, I have gained some expertise in recognizing good and trustworthy people. For most of my adult life, spent in police work, the ability to do this was critical for my own safety.

One of the things I’ve learned in those many years is that, while being very intelligent and having a keen mind is important for someone in political life, a little common sense wouldn’t hurt either. How often have you known extremely intelligent individuals who didn’t have a lick of common sense? What the voters in Maine deserve is a candidate who enjoys both traits. Chandler Woodcock is that candidate. Although very successful in his three terms in the Senate, Woodcock is not a career politician and consequently brings with him a fresh look at the problems confronting our state now and in the years to come.

Not only does he have intelligence and common sense, but he is the only candidate in the Republican primary who holds a traditional conservative philosophy in both social and fiscal areas. His many years of experience as a teacher and coach have given him excellent communication skills and the ability to deal with politicians as well as the average man and woman on the street.

Woodcock is highly respected by his peers in the Legislature. When he gets up to speak in the Senate, both sides of the aisle listen intently. His interest in hunting and fishing gets him out into the fields and waters of the state and has developed in him a deep appreciation of nature and the need to protect it in a way that balances nature with the needs of society.

He is the only Republican primary candidate who, very early on, came out in favor of Jessica’s Law. Putting child sex offenders in jail for lengthy periods has the overwhelming support of Maine voters. Although most senators finally voted for a watered- down version of Jessica’s Law in order to get something passed, Woodcock was one of only three who stuck to their guns and continued supporting the original bill.

He is the only candidate who has unequivocally come out in favor of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. After all, TABOR was part of the Republican platform voted on at the recent convention. Woodcock believes that marriage is a union between one man and one woman and has had the courage to state that publicly. While many candidates skirt the issue he has also had the courage to stand up for his pro-life position.

I am convinced that Woodcock will bring forth meaningful health care reform, changes that will not involve taxing some citizens struggling to pay their own premiums, in order to provide free care for others. I am also convinced that he will initiate legislation that will help to create a stronger business climate in Maine. He understands that lowering taxes and curtailing spending at the state, county and local levels is absolutely necessary if Maine is to prosper in the 21st century.

I have worked closely with Woodcock in the Maine Senate and believe strongly that he is the right person to lead this state. He understands the issues facing our state and the need to get the economy back on track by making Maine a better place to do business. It’s all about trust and I firmly believe Woodcock is a man you can trust. Please join me in voting for Sen. Chandler Woodcock on June 13.

Republican Dean Clukey represents District 34 in the Maine Senate.