Rep. Gilbert announces run for re-election

JAY - Rep. Paul Gilbert of Jay has announced his candidacy for re-election to serve a third term in the Maine House of Representatives. He was nominated at a Democratic caucus called to fill a vacancy on the November ballot due to a withdrawal of the Democratic candidate for House District 87.

District 87 includes  the towns of Chesterville, Jay, Mercer, New Sharon and Starks. Gilbert currently serves on the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development.

Gilbert said he has a strong commitment to education, good jobs, seniors, social justice and affordable health care for all.

“The next Legislature faces many difficult decisions that will affect residents of Maine, the people we represent. Respect and open communication can bring about positive results that are in the best interest of the people we serve. We need to be careful about the words we use and the actions we take as we work together toward fair and responsible solutions,” Gilbert said in a press release.

Gilbert serves on the board of Western Maine Community Action, is a charter member of the newly formed Maine Alliance of Retired Americans and serves on its board, is an alternate board director of MSEA/SEIU Local 1989 and continues to serve as a founding member on the local “Good Neighbors Fuel Fund.”

He is a lifelong resident of Jay. He graduated from Jay High School before enlisting for three years active duty in the U.S. Army. Following completion of his military service, he attended the University of Maine at Farmington, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1972.

Gilbert previously served on many local and municipal committees including many years on the Jay School Committee and the Jay board of selectmen. He is a life member of the American Legion and the AMVETS and is a long time member of the Knights of Columbus.

He also has more than 30 years of private and public sector management experience, managing supermarkets prior to his career as a job service manager for the Maine Department of Labor. He and his wife Jean have three grown children and eight grandchildren.

He can be reached at pegilbert@hotmail.com, 897-5143 or by mail at PO Box 186, Jay 04239.