William Bridgeo

William Bridgeo earned a high school diploma from Marianhill High School, a bachelor's degree from St. Michael's College in 1972, and an M.P.A. from the University of Hartford in 1979.

His career experience includes working as a government administrator.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I Retired in 2021 after a forty year career as a city manager, the last 23 in Augusta. At that time my local State Representative seat was going to be vacant and I decided that legislative service might be a good fit for me. I ran, was elected and have enjoyed serving for the past two years. Outside of legislative service, my wife of 40 years and I enjoy many different outdoor activities including hiking, cycling kayaking and time at our lakeside camp. My pleasure reading includes mystery novels and American history.

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 am passionate about protecting Maine's environmental and sought assignment to the Environmental and Natural Resources Committee where I served the past two years. I sponsored legislation that put funding into lake preservation for the first time in 30 years and plan to add to that in the coming legislature .The property tax burden in Maine is far too onerous. There needs to be significant realignment of the major (income and sales) broad-based state revenue sources to relieve local property taxes and I plan to sponsor legislation to accomplish this.Maine has made good progress in addressing the epidemic of gun violence. I have supported those efforts and plan to continue to do so including sponsorship of a red flag law and limits on semiautomatic weapon magazines. I do this as someone who has owned guns and hunted for most of my life.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Environmental protection, tax policy, the opioid crisis and the residential housing crisis.

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

My heros are Winston Churchill, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and Rachel Carson. These were all people who lived by their convictions and impacted their world accordingly.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I was a big fan of the "West Wing" television series. President Bartlett's philosophy was something I could relate to. Edmund Burke's views of the role of a legislator align with mine.

Rushworth Kidder's writings on ethical leadership have been very valuable to me both personally and in the leadership courses I have taught over the years.

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

A personal ethical code and the ability to respect the views of those with whom you may not agree. A willingness to do the hard work that is necessary to implement effective legislation and to recognize that compromise is not a bad thing but rather the likely path to legislative success.

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

Years of decision making experience in local government; a strong educational background (bachelor's and master's degrees in government); intimate knowledge of my district and its residents; good health and commitment to public service.

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

First, to be guided by one's conscience when supporting or opposing legislation. Second, to seek the input of one's constituents and third to be able to articulate to those constituents the issues of the day and why a particular position is justified.

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

The Kennedy assassination- I was 12.

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

Picking potatoes as a youngster in Aroostook County.

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

A mutually respectful separation of powers.

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

Addressing the threats that will come with climate change. Maine has 3600 miles of coastline and relies heavily on natural resource based industries and agriculture - all of which face existential treats as the planet warms and sea levels rise.

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

No but it helps.

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

Absolutely. The legislative process by definition is one of deliberative give and take and it takes constructive relationships to make that happen effectively. Former

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Maine U.S. Senator Angus King.

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

Not at this time.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Increased fund for clean water protection.

What committees interest you?

Environment and Natural Resources; Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; Appropriations.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

As a career city manager for over 40 years financial transparency and governmental accountability have been core principles. In a democracy, only a well informed electorate can ensure the enduring success of the governmental entity.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I am comfortable with the process as it currently exists.

William Bridgeo did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.