Roy Gott

Roy Gott was born in Ellsworth, Maine. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maine in 2004. His career experience includes working in information technology. Gott has been associated with the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Sumner Memorial High School Alumni Association, and Regional School Unit No. 24.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong resident of Franklin, a 2000 graduate of Sumner Memorial High School, a 2004 graduate of the University of Maine, and currently serve as Franklin's member of the Regional School Unit No. 24 Board of Directors, serving as its chair since 2016. My field is Information Technology and I work at the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park as their IT Manager, as well as owning/operating my own IT business, supporting town offices, private customers, and small businesses across the district. Prior to Schoodic Institute, I worked for 16 years, most of the as a manager at Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium in Bar Harbor.

I am currently engaged as member or chair in both the Franklin and Schoodic Peninsula Broadband Committees with the goal to expand broadband internet access to all residents in the covered towns. I also am building the new Sumner Memorial High School Alumni Association. I enjoy writing, home renovation, and live in a building I have restored that has been in the family since it was built circa 1885.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I have no party affiliation. My loyalty is to the residents of the towns of the district and I will work across party lines for the best outcomes.I have no platform. I want to look at each issue on its own merits and for what it will do to or for the people.I make no promises except that as a newcomer and outsider to the State Legislature, I will try my hardest to make a difference for the district and the State as a whole.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am invested in matters of education, the protection of our natural resources, and the expansion and improvement of our internet capabilities. I am also deeply concerned about rising costs for essentials, healthcare, and the availability of housing.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Hard to pin down, but I would have to say I look up to the example my mother set. She was a very giving individual and would help anyone in need. Like us all, she wasn't perfect, but we don't need to be perfect, we just need to do our best and she did. I'd like to be remembered for the same.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

A firm belief in doing what is right for the people they represent, to make decisions based upon the most accurate and credible information available, to be transparent and honest in all communications, and to work with their colleagues as a whole to be as impactful as possible.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a systems-oriented or big picture thinker. I like to look at the whole picture when considering the individual parts.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities are to craft and see to the enactment of legislation that will benefit the people of the State and in particular, the district, in response to concerns germane to the district. Additionally, to provide constituent services as best they are able to residents in need of them.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to think that if successful, I will leave things better than I found them, and that I will have made a positive difference in people's lives.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

While I don't remember much about it, I remember seeing the riot on TV resulting from the beating of Rodney King in 1992 at the age of 10.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was technically a summer internship at the MDI Bio Lab for a few months between my junior and senior year of high school.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Dr. Gregory House

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

As with any government that has multiple branches, the ideal state should be cooperative, but not subservient or overbearing. Checks and balances are important.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

I think protecting our natural environment while simultaneously improving our energy infrastructure and the generation of electricity from renewable sources will be very challenging. I also think insulating Mainers from rampant inflation and other difficulties that are out of our control will require a lot of hard thinking and work.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

The only potential advantage is expediency in lawmaking, but this can be a drawback in its own right. While the process takes longer in a bicameral system, it ensures that there is an additional check on one political party or bloc from having too much authority.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe some experience in government, regardless of level, is a good foundation for new service in the legislature. On the other hand, I think it's also important to come into a new position with an open mind, not set in any particular way.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Relationships are absolutely necessary for building trust. I want to trust my colleagues, and know that we are all there for the benefit of the people. I would find it difficult to work with someone I didn't trust.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Redistricting should be done as closely along geographic lines as possible.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

I would be interested in both the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee and the Marine Resources Committee.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

I'm a firm believer in one battle at a time. If the people of my district feel I should represent them, that will be borne out in the election. If someday they feel I should represent them in a different way, I would be interested to see what that could be.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

A woman who was undergoing dialysis found out that she had cancer. Unfortunately, due to the sluggish response of the benefit program to which she was entitled, she died before she could receive any treatment for it. We need to be careful with our welfare and program dollars, but they also need to be nimble enough to help people in their time of greatest need.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Tough call. Emergency powers are executive, by their nature, and so it seems appropriate that they rest with the executive branch of government and not the legislative. I could envision a process by which the legislature reviews the appropriateness of emergency powers, but I don't think it should outright grant them or oversee their use.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I believe that compromise is often necessary, and a willingness to entertain compromise is desirable.