As a former member of the Maine House of Representatives and a professional who spent my career in banking and with nonprofits, I’ve learned one simple truth: Numbers don’t lie. And right now, the numbers in Maine are telling us something is wrong.

Spending is up. Costs are rising. Maine families are feeling the pressure every single day. What Maine needs now is leadership grounded in real-world experience. That’s why I’m proud to support Ben Midgley for Governor.

Ben is not a career politician, a lobbyist, or a bureaucrat. He's a father, a husband, and a common-sense conservative businessman. He built a company from the ground up, created 15,000 jobs, and understands what it takes to strengthen Maine's economy. Maine needs someone with executive experience who can curb spending, lower taxes, and ignite economic growth. 

Over the years, I have learned that if you overspend, mismanage risk, or ignore warning signs, there are consequences. You need to manage well, with both your heart and your head. Unfortunately, Augusta leadership has not been operating with that same discipline. As a result, the Governor and legislature just filled a $529 million budget shortfall by taking one-third of the state’s “rainy day” funds and adding new taxes.

Maine deserves a Governor who can make compassionate, yet tough, decisions while restoring fiscal responsibility for the benefit of Maine people. Ben Midgley is that leader. Please vote for Ben Midgley in the Republican primary on June 9.

Jayne Crosby Giles lives in Belfast