For well over a decade, The Maine Conservative Voice has worked to be just that, a conservative voice in the state of Maine. My name is Andy Torbett and I have been The Maine Conservative Voice since its inception. Working with limited means, my limited talents, and outdated decrepit computers, TMCV has somehow been able to have an impact here in rural Maine.

One of our first battles was to bring awareness and fight against Governor Baldacci’s crusade against independent contractors. I also helped to form the Red County Caucus, which was the first Caucus to endorse then candidate Paul LePage for Governor. Later, I would be the state field rep for the NRA-ILA as we joined forces with the Gun Owners of Maine and Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine to defeat Bloomberg’s gun control effort, Question 3, in our state.

Along the way, I have used what writing talent I have to try and further conservative ideals and candidates. From time to time fellow activists have encouraged me to run for public office. The timing has never been right.

But now it is. I am announcing my intent to run for County Commissioner in District 2 of Piscataquis County. We have made some unofficial announcements to gauge support and have been encouraged by the positive response.

It has been surprising that some, who I thought were allies, have expressed frustration that I am not running for a more “important” office. I have reasons both personal and philosophical. Let me explain.

The demands of a “higher” office would take me away from my family, business, and ministry in a time when I am needed in those positions consistently. The office of County Commissioner offers the opportunity to have a political impact on my community, while allowing me to remain active in the areas at home that I need to be. But the idea that some would view local government as “lesser” than a state or federal position, shows a fundamental misunderstanding of our Republic and how far we as a people have strayed from the fundamental tenets of local sovereignty.

The spend-thrifty policies at the state and federal level have placed an undue burden on rural Maine. Mandates force the hand of local municipal leaders leaving many rural towns with budgets over leveraged with no room to negotiate to a balanced budget without escalating mil rates. Town after town in Maine are finding themselves with no choice but to deorganize to maintain fiscal solvency.

As the push for small towns to deorganize continues to gain momentum, the role of the Counties will continue to grow. It will be important to have Commissioners who are fiscally conservative to keep a rein on budgets that will have increased demand on them. This is one of the major reasons I am running for commissioner.

I have always had a passion for rural Maine. I love Piscataquis County. I know, that if given the opportunity, I can serve her effectively.

I could use your help. Please consider a donation of any amount to our campaign. You can go to torbett4commissioner.com and learn a little bit more about what we are doing. There is a donate button on the website or you can send your donation to Committee to elect Andy Torbett, 107 Buck Rd, Atkinson, ME, 04426, attention Mark Kinney Treasurer.

I’m looking forward to serving Piscataquis County. With your help we can make it happen. My campaign slogan is Hard Work and Common Sense, which is a tradition in Piscataquis County. Please consider supporting.

Thank you and God Bless!

Andy Torbett