I want to address the fact that I currently serve on the Rockport Select Board and how that interacts with my running for the State Legislature.

Following my campaign for the State House in 2014, many citizens of Rockport approached me about running for the Select Board. I had thought that I would switch back to working more before this 2016 campaign but I was told time and again that my skills, mannerisms, and approach was needed on the Select Board. Knowing that I would run again in 2016, my wife and I discussed the burden of holding two elected positions simultaneously. Although the duration of time doing both wouldn't be long, it was a concern and one that we as a husband/wife team agreed was doable.

The Maine State Legislature is classified by the National Conference of State Legislatures as "part time lite", also referred to as a citizens legislature. I anticipate putting in large amounts of time, going above and beyond in the legislature, just like I do for Rockport. What is great about our state government system is that it is set up for the ability to work part time in other areas. Barring those who are already retired, virtually every member of the Legislature has another part time job. We Mainers pride ourselves on the ability to do many different jobs in the span of a year... I am no exception.

I've already discussed with the Chair of the Select Board, Board members, and town manager about my role on the Board when elected to the State House. When the legislature is in session I can offset time away from the town by acting as a liaison to the state on any town issues I could assist in. Additionally there would only be one full legislative session where I would be on the select board.

"Those that can should" is a saying that has always been close to my heart. My experience in the US Marines, on the Rockport Select Board, and interacting with many current Legislators has shown me that I can. I am confident that I will be able to fulfill my duties as a Select Person and Representative for this short period of time. I do not intend to run for another term on the Select Board when I am elected to the State Legislature.  I will complete my term on the Select Board with the same mentality I use for every challenge: leave it better than you found it.

Although it is difficult to juggle many roles at the same time, I have successfully balanced all my responsibilities: father, husband, stone mason, landlord, Graduate student, Select Board member, and candidate for House District 94. Many of those responsibilities will be completed in the coming months and I will be able to focus more on my role of Representative.

Don't miss an opportunity to send a hard working Independent Mainer to the State House. I will work every day for the citizens I represent and will be a voice of reason in Augusta. Not Right, or Left, but Forward.

Paid for and Authorized by Owen Casas