Darin was born and raised in Washington County. He grew up in Baileyville, known locally as Woodland and graduated from Woodland High School. Spent all of his life here in Washington County except for the time he went to college and graduate school. His father was a millworker, a pipefitter, welder, and scaler as well as driving truck in the woods hauling chips and logs to the mill. His mother was a CNA while he was growing up and graduated with her Nursing degree on the same day he graduated with his master’s degree. He of course chose to attend his mother’s graduation and was very proud of her accomplishments. Darin has been an educator for 34 years here in Washington County and has always had a concern for his students, their progress and their success. He wishes to take his propensity for concern for others and use it as a strength to represent the citizens of District 9 here in the county. He is married with two grown children. His wife is a teacher, as is his son. He has spent time in most communities that make up District 9. Swimming and fishing in Grand Lake Stream, growing up in Baileyville, hunting all over the area, fishing in Meddybemps, and working in Calais and Eastport for all of his career. Darin understands the people, the issues, the needs, and wishes to serve the communities of Grand Lake Stream, Motahkomikuk (Indian Township), Baileyville, Meddybemps, Baring, Calais, Robbinston, Perry, Sipayik (Pleasant Point), and Eastport.
Our region’s economy is heavily dependent on our wonderful environment and excellent water quality. States can fight against roll backs in environmental protections at the federal EPA by making sure our state protections remain robust. Better planning to address the impacts of climate change on our infrastructure and environment will become even more important. As we attempt to deal with invasive species, increased pollution from runoff, and public health issues like tick-bourne diseases, Maine will need strong advocates in the Legislature.
It is past time for a statewide comprehensive conversation about how we are aging. Planning for the next decade of the needs of older people, aging in place, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure will not only help us better serve our aging population, but make Maine a better place to live for all of us.
Maine can continue current public-private partnerships that are fostering communication between business and the University, Community College and technical training organizations to educate Maine’s workforce - not only for jobs available now, but for the jobs of the future.
If we are going to be more successful at tackling the opiate epidemic, we are going to have to provide better healthcare, education and social supports for those struggling with substance use disorder. By training more healthcare professionals in treatment best practices and making sure those who need it get the most effective treatment, we can begin to tackle this problem. Substance use disorder is a medical problem and not a moral failing, and we should treat it as such.
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