Campaign 2010: Paul LePage, Republican, Maine

Campaign Web site

The Maine Association of Nonprofits asked all 2010 candidates for state office to answer two questions about the nonprofit world. Following is the response it received from Paul LePage, the Republican mayor of Waterville, who is running for governor.

Please describe your personal and professional experiences with nonprofit
organizations.

Mayor Paul LePage served for many years on the Mid Maine Homeless Shelter Board of Directors. His family took an active role in volunteering for the cause. Homeless at age 11, Mayor LePage relates to the unfortunate circumstances of many of Maine’s citizens who are confronted with homelessness. The Mayor believes it is an experience that has helped him give back to Waterville and the surrounding area.

Mayor LePage also served approximately five years on the Board of Directors for theWaterville High Hopes Clubhouse, a Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Adults withMental Illness. A few years ago, he was honored to receive an award on behalf of the Board in Washington, DC because of the outstanding work of the organization. The organization was able to assist twenty‐one people who had never worked a day in their lives, and in one year they earned over $439,000 in wages. An advocate for the mentally ill, Paul believes with education everyone can play a positive, active role in their community.

In addition to the Mid Maine Homeless Shelter, and the Waterville High Hopes Clubhouse, Mayor LePage has done significant fundraising and work for United Way. His wife and he, while working at Scott Paper Company, raised over $500,000 for the organization one year. Mayor LePage has also taken an active role in rotary clubs, specifically the Waterville Rotary Club for many years.

Please provide specific ways in which, if elected, you would partner with and strengthen the nonprofit sector to achieve the goals of your campaign.

Maine is a charitable state. Consequently, Mainers recognize the important work that is accomplished through the state’s many nonprofit organizations. As Governor, Paul LePage will strengthen the collaborative relationship between government, the business community, and nonprofits so they can work together.

Mayor LePage also believes that through an improved economy financial and volunteer support for nonprofits will only expand in the future. To improve the economy, Mayor LePage will get government out of the way and allow Maine’s small businesses to create jobs. Smaller, smarter government is the key to new jobs and financial security for Maine families.

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See responses from other candidates on our Campaign 2010 Web page.

If you have information about how the governor’s race could affect nonprofits in your state, or would like to encourage your state’s candidates to complete our survey, please contact Suzanne Perry at suzanne.perry@philanthropy.com or (202) 466-1228.