Public service is about a commitment to try to make a brighter future for our state and our community. We have an opportunity over the next two years to truly make a difference in people’s lives.

With new majorities in both the House and the Senate and a more capable leader in the Blaine House, now is the time to lead. I look forward to this great responsibility and challenge ahead of us. Through collaboration, mutual respect, and public engagement throughout the process, I know we can achieve substantial progress for Mainers in every corner of our state.

Together we can make government more ethical, make our politics less money-driven, hold utility companies more accountable, fully fund our schools, reduce the over-reliance on property taxes to fund initiatives, expand our alternative energy potential, address student loan debt, encourage young families to move to Maine, finally release the affordable senior housing bonds, increase access to affordable healthcare, tackle traffic and infrastructure needs, and honor the will of the voters at the ballot box by implementing voter-approved referendums.

There are so many issues at stake. But I know we were given this task for a reason, and we must rise to the occasion. This past December, members of the 129th Legislature took the oath of office and were sworn in. I’m proud to once again be the youngest member of the Senate.

Senate President Troy Jackson appointed me to serve on three legislative committees: chair of the bipartisan Government Oversight Committee, member of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, and continued service on the Senate Ethics Committee.

The Government Oversight Committee directs the nonpartisan legislative Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability to perform independent performance reviews of state government operations. This could include investigating agencies and departments, conducting hearings with officials, and reviewing reports.

Unlike other legislative committees, the Government Oversight Committee is a bipartisan committee, evenly split between Democrats and Republicans regardless of what the majorities are in the legislature. This means I will be tasked with bridging the political divide and bring people on both sides of the aisle together to do important work.

My entire legislative service has been centered on making government more accountable and transparent to the public. This appointment means I can lead the effort to ensure government operates at a high level of efficiency and effectiveness, and protects the taxpayer’s best interests, while meeting core ethical standards.

As the title suggests, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee oversees the Department of Environmental Protection and handles legislation pertaining to air and water quality, mining rules, and hydropower, and sets overall environmental policy for the state.

Having consistently earned high marks from environmental groups for my voting record, I look forward to the opportunity to set a new, positive direction by protecting what makes Maine a wonderful place to visit and to live. Our economy, personal health and quality of life are all dependent on how we treat our natural resources.

My priority on this committee will be to focus on protecting our coast from erosion, preventing offshore oil drilling, designating our water supply as a public right, and reducing our carbon footprint.

The new legislative session has now begun, and the real work is set to begin. These committee assignments will help further my ability to deliver results for our district at the State House.

Justin Chenette is serving his second term in the state Senate representing Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Hollis, Limington and Buxton. He chairs the Government Oversight Committee and serves on the Environment & Natural Resources Committee. Outside the legislature, Justin is the President of Saco Main Street.