During the past six months, I have written a political column for the Journal Tribune covering a wide range of issues in state government, from civics education to fiscal responsibility. 

Hopefully, I have helped to spur discussions around the dinner table about the potential solutions to the problems facing the economic and political future of this state. Only through that dialog can real solutions develop. This concept of simply listening to the needs of their constituents is sorely lacking with the so-called leaders in Augusta.

Those of us on Main Street are frustrated with the political bickering that is taking place. I could probably speak for most of us when I say I’d like to see long-term solutions to problems such as young people having to leave the state to find opportunities, our high taxes on people and small businesses, and our rising health care costs.

Instead of hearing how hundreds of jobs are being created and that seniors can actually afford their prescription drugs, I see on the news that Maine ranks last out of all the states for our business climate, and the government wants to cut programs so much that the most senior members of our community will have to make the difficult choice between heating their homes, putting food on the table, and buying medications.

Our future is at stake. The American dream is slowly eroding ”“ that idea that we can work in a good paying job, buy a home, raise a family, have affordable and quality health care, be able to send our kids to college, and retire with dignity and financial stability ”“ it will disappear unless we act now. I want to ensure I can have a happy and healthy life not only for myself but for future generations of Maine people.

The failure to provide us with common-sense leadership in Augusta is putting this state on the wrong path. It is with this frustration that I’d like to announce my candidacy for state representative. Politicians need to mean it when they say put people before politics because until that actually takes place, Democrats and Republicans will continue this awkward high school dance where both sides are unwilling to take the initiative to work together.

This will be my last column until after the 11-month adventure of the campaign comes to a hopefully successful close. In the meantime, I’m forming a coalition of Democrats, Republicans and independents as I go door to door and actually listen to the needs of my neighbors. Together I hope we can put Augusta on the right path: The path of the people.

— Justin Chenette is now a former columnist with the Journal Tribune as he runs for State Representative District 134, Saco. More information on his platform can be found at www.justinforsaco.com.