NEWPORT – Frederick “Chip” Austin is a Democratic candidate for the House District 25 seat, which covers the Penobscot County towns of Newport, Plymouth, Exeter, Corinna and part of Corinth.

A resident of Grove Street in Newport, Austin said he brings to his candidacy a long history of public service and a strong background in education and youth services.

“I am not a professional politician,” he said. “I have never before run for political office. But this year is a turning point in how our government is run at both the state and national levels.”

Austin promised to work with both sides of the aisle to address Maine’s high taxes and the state’s great economic challenges.

“Change is needed in Augusta,” Austin said. “Regular citizens, not professional politicians, need to be elected so that we can get a handle on Maine’s high cost of living, our low wages and the always unpredictable state budget. I will be there fighting for the working families of this district.”

Austin is a retired educator who also has worked in the automotive industry for 15 years. He and his wife have four children and seven grandchildren.

Austin also said he is committed to representing the interests of rural Maine, to keeping small local schools open while reducing administrative expenses and to improving Maine’s road system and transportation infrastructure.

“No one will fight harder for economic development for our area,” he said.

For more information, contact Austin at 368-4056, 11 Grove St., Newport 04953, or e-mail him at ouray68@yahoo.com.