My father used to say, “If it isn’t right, then there’s something wrong with it!” That’s what I think about the way government is currently working.

Voters in Bradley, North Brewer, Clifton, Dedham, Eddington, and Holden (House District 20) must have the best available person represent them in Augusta. School consolidation, the I-395-Route 9 connector and the beverage tax (actually refinancing a failed state health care program) are issues that require effective local input. Undermining of local government through unfunded mandates and the passage of hidden taxes and fees, including the recent substantial increase in vehicle registration, are no longer acceptable ways of doing business. The impact on local communities of rising energy costs and proposed Land Use Regulation Commission regulations requires quality advocacy on their behalf.

My grandfather used to tell me “Steve, don’t believe anything you hear and only about half of what you see.” That advice has been very useful to me as a lawyer and I believe will be useful if I am elected to serve in Augusta.

I have the experience, judgment, and maturity to represent the voters in District 20 in the House of Representatives. I bring an education which includes economics and law degrees as well as 30 years’ experience in the practice of law – both in private practice and as deputy district attorney. I know the issues facing small towns because I have effectively represented people, businesses and towns. As a parent of five children, now ages 21 through 33, I know the issues of health care and making ends meet, which every family faces. As an owner and operator of a small business, I know the issues of employee benefits, making payroll and having a positive bottom line. I know what it means to establish and to stay within a budget. I want to be your eyes, ears and voice in Augusta.

Because I was in the top percent of Army lieutenant colonels, I was selected to mentor senior captains and junior majors at Fort Leavenworth in their required professional education courses, which included problem-solving, communication and leadership skills, budget and military operations.

I am a Maine native and sportsman. I was an Acadia National Park firefighter, co-captain of my college varsity wrestling team and assistant high school wresting coach at John Bapst Memorial High School.

I would not have voted for the school consolidation law as it exists with its coercive and punitive provisions directly affecting rural communities. I would not have voted for the alternative funding mechanism for the state-funded health care program, the beverage tax, without an opportunity for full and open public input. I will never claim that I had fought for Maine’s small businesses if my voting record reflected a MERI rating of 15.5 out of a possible favorable rating of 100.

As a sportsman and landowner, I will protect property owners and will work to preserve the environment. I will explain how I analyze the opposing interests and why my actions will encourage sound environmental and economic development practices with minimal, but reasonable, intrusion on the rights of private landowners.

I respectfully request the support of voters in Bradley, North Brewer, Clifton, Dedham, Eddington and Holden on Nov. 4 to become their representative in Augusta because of my ability to effectively represent people.

Steven A. Juskewitch is the Republican candidate for House District 20.