Since neither my opponent nor I have held elective office, voters must decide this election based on our life’s experiences and political philosophy. My political philosophy is simple. Smaller and locally controlled government is better. Government must be fiscally responsible and live within its budget.

I am a local guy, a 1964 Bangor High School grad still living in the family homestead. I obtained a bachelor’s degree and MBA from Northeastern University and did doctoral work at Virginia Tech. I also earned a CPA from West Virginia, the “Foreign Expert” designation from the People’s Republic of China and a Historically Black College Faculty Fellow from the Department of Defense.

My first job out of college was as laborer in a nonferrous metal recycling firm. I expected to stay a month but it stretched to a decade and the laborer position became controller. During this time the firm grew from 30 to 300 employees.

I spent the next decade in academia teaching accounting and finance in a variety of venues. My academic career included public and private colleges, two high-security New York Correctional Facilities and nearly a decade in Chinese universities. While in China I also worked for various bureaus of the Chinese government including the National Audit Bureau and private joint ventures. After my tenure in China, I took a short-term position in Armenia training the faculties of three universities in international accounting standards. This position opened up several other positions working with the state-owned utilities and the Armenian CPA association.

I have always felt I have a duty to give something back to the community I live in. In the past I have belonged to various civic organizations, volunteer fire departments and other organizations that improve the community quality of life and I have been a foster parent. I presently serve on the Bangor City Recycling Committee and the board of assessment review.

As a minority freshman legislator in a group of 151, I don’t expect a long list of accomplishments. The national economy and its effect on the state budget will dictate what the Legislature can accomplish. I don’t feel it should be my goal to see how many new laws I can get passed but rather I would influence legislation based on my knowledge and experience.

Tax reform is a major issue I want to address. We must pay for the services of government. Cutting taxes for any group means we must either raise taxes for another group or cut services. Over my lifetime politicians have talked about funding government increases by cutting waste, fraud and corruption and failed.

Health care is a big topic for all of us. Since I have not been in the Legislature, I don’t have an established record as a champion for quality affordable and universal care. My approach will be determine what can we afford and how will we pay for it. I have read extensively on the issue. I know I don’t have all the answers, but my financial background has given me the experience to know what to ask.

School regionalization should continue. I am sure there will have to be modifications and adjustments in the process. The public vote on school budgets should be eliminated. Other areas for regionalization may want to be examined not only for cost saving but also for expertise enhancement.

My experience, education and age have given me the wisdom to know I don’t have the answers but it has also given me the knowledge to know what questions to ask.

Nick Bearce of Bangor is the Republican candidate for House District 15.