Higgins announces his candidacy for House District 120

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — “It’s about time that we break the political gridlock and work together to find common sense solutions,” said Norman Higgins of Dover-Foxcroft Republican candidate for Maine House of Representatives, District 120.
    Higgins, an experienced educator and civic leader, has announced that he is a candidate for the Maine Legislature representing the communities of Atkinson, Brownville and Brownville Jct., Dover-Foxcroft, Lake View, Medford and Milo. 

    He began his career in education as a high school social studies teacher and then served as the high school principal of Piscataquis Community High School. He concluded his 32 years in SAD 4 as the superintendent of schools. He was a member of the National Commission on Time and Learning which published the report “Prisoners of Time”. He served as vice chairman of the National Center for Basic Education. He was a member of the Commission on Secondary Education in Maine and the Task Force on Career and Technical Education.  He served as the chair of the executive committee of 15 statewide civic and educational organizations working together in promoting local business and education partnerships.  He is currently a member of the Foxcroft Academy Board of Trustees.
    Higgins was chairman of the board of selectmen during his nine years of service as a selectman in Dover-Foxcroft. He was Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee for Hospital District 4 during his four years as a member of the HAD 4 Board of Trustees. He served 10 years in the Maine Army National Guard and has been a member of the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church for 28 years.
    Piscataquis County, a poor and aging area, is faced with challenges in multiple directions. The lack of employment opportunities has forced graduates to leave while others search to find good paying jobs.  Families struggle to make sense of healthcare and search for a balance between the needs of their neighbors for welfare assistance and the impact on the budgets of state and local governments. Communities are proud of their schools while concerned about the serious impact of declining enrollments and the ability of taxpayers to continue their level of support. Today, community members are at a crossroads as the proposed East/West highway is forcing a debate on the future of the county.
    Experience leadership is needed to simply say, “Enough is Enough.” Finding solutions requires incorporating the best ideas from multiple points of view.  Regardless of political party, we need to channel our voices and energy in promoting a positive and respectful debate on the future of Piscataquis County.
    Higgins can be contacted at Normehiggins@gmail.com or 343-1068