I am encouraging all to vote for George Hogan, who is running for state representative in Old Orchard Beach. I have known George many years and found him to be honest, intelligent, determined and very well-respected by all who know him, including legislators from both political parties during his eight years serving as our state representative in Augusta. Being a native of OOB, along with his experience as a small business owner, past member of the OOB School Board, OOB Town Council and head football and baseball coach for OOB high school, he understand the needs of our community.
Having had some experience in Augusta, I have personally been privy to many positive comments from legislators regarding his leadership. He is an excellent communicator and able to coalesce politicians on both sides of the table to work together for the common good of the people in Old Orchard Beach and Maine. A perfect example of this bipartisan support was when he realized that the residents of OOB did not have jurisdictional control of the activities on our very beachfront and outlying waters. A neighboring community was considering a marina within Saco Bay and had the authority to do so without any consent from OOB whatsoever.
George introduced LD 1119 (An Act to Clarify the Municipal Jurisdiction of Saco Bay) and doggedly fought to expand Old Orchard Beach’s jurisdictional town boundary by three miles. Due to his ability to bring fellow legislators from both sides of the political arena to the table in an effort to gain their support, he was able to have LD 1119, a historic piece of legislation, passed. There is only one other community within the state that has gained these jurisdictional rights and had their town boundary changed. No one, other than the Old Orchard Beach community, will determine what takes place on our beach and outlying waters due to this remarkable legislation.
His past work leading the efforts to give patients greater access to vaccines, creating good paying jobs, rebuilding our roads and bridges, investing in worker training and attracting new businesses that enhance our quality of life in Old Orchard Beach will continue. He is committed to improving our local schools and creating sustainable growth. As our past state representative, George averaged 485 legislative actions during his time in office either as a sponsor or co-sponsor in order to improve the quality of life for us.
George and I have not always agreed on every issue when it comes to issues relating to the business community, but he has always been respectful and willing to discuss his thought process and reasoning in a professional manner. He does not run away from his opinions and you can always depend on a straight answer from him. What more can one ask for?
I was very pleased when he announced his decision to represent our community in Augusta by running for another term. His intelligent bipartisanship generates respect at the state level. The Town of Old Orchard Beach and its residents deserve this type of representation and should ask for no less.
Your vote for candidate George Hogan in November will ensure this. When he is elected, it will be a proud day for us all.
Bud Harmon, president/CEO, Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce
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