Hello, I’m Stan Wheeler,
I have lived in Maine since 1988, when my wife Donna and I bought a home in Bangor. Since moving to Farmington in 1994, I have found that one of my greatest passions is being an engaged citizen of our town and its surrounding communities. I decided to pursue a Master of Divinity degree from Bangor Theological Seminary, which allowed me to preach for many years in Sebec Village, Waterville, and Farmington. In 1999, my community service took a new direction. I became a part-time patrol officer and full-time dispatcher for Livermore Falls, and I followed my faith and desire for public service to serve as the Farmington Fire Rescue Chaplain. In 2012, I was fortunate enough to be appointed Chair of the committee to design the new E-911 facility for Franklin County. A year later, I was named Director of Communications.
I am a veteran of the U.S. Navy where I trained to be a Hebrew Linguist and lived in Nicosia, Cyprus for two years – allowing me to have many diverse learning experiences and providing me with the drive to continue my service in Maine.
All of my endeavors have led me to be the present day President of the Fairbanks Neighborhood School Association, President of Mt. Blue T.V., and the Coordinator of the Old South Church Community Luncheons for the past 19 years. When I’m not helping my community, I enjoy quality time at home with my wife, Donna, cooking, playing with our German Shepard, Tucker, and visiting with friends and family. My passion for cooking has also led to me become the host and producer of The Simple Gourmet, a cooking program that airs on local television channel 11.
Now I hope to continue that service to my community in Augusta, representing the good people of Senate District 5.
Why I’m Running.
Growing up, my family didn’t have it easy. On what I would consider one of the hardest days of my life, my father passed away from a heart attack. I was just 8 years old. My mother took to working long, hard days to support her 4 children at home. After one of her shifts she said to me then that if she were a man, she’d be making $2,000 to $4,000 more than she was – and in 1958 that was a lot of money. She told me that Democrats always work for the underdog, and she instilled in me the belief that everyone should be treated equitably, hard work should be rewarded, and baseless discrimination should be a thing of the past.
As a former pastor, part-time patrol officer for Livermore Falls PD, E911 dispatcher, and as the current Chaplain for the Farmington Fire Department, I have spent a great deal of my adult life helping members of our community on some of the hardest days of their lives. What I’ve learned is that sometimes folks just need someone who’s willing to listen and help them where they need it. I’ve also learned through first hand experience that there are too frequently barriers to folks in rural areas getting affordable access to healthcare, well maintained roads and bridges, and education.
I’m running to be your Senator in District 5 to make a difference in the lives of everyday, ordinary Mainers. I want to contribute to making the public arena more civil and productive, and to see that everyone in our state is represented fairly in Augusta. Rural Maine has been left out of the conversation for too long. I’m running to fix that. I hope to represent you, the good people of Senate District 5, in the Maine State Senate to ensure that your voices are heard.
This election is about keeping the interests of all Mainers in mind. Maine can’t move forward unless we address the educational, economic, and environmental issues are at the forefront.
Here’s What I Believe…
Mainers are tired of partisan bickering in politics. I think it’s time we bring some compassion to Augusta, and promote common sense leadership in our state government. I am always willing to stand up for what I believe is right, but I am just as willing to listen to others’ perspectives, discuss alternative solutions, and cross the aisle to work with my Republican colleagues. I am running for the Maine State Senate to show folks in rural areas that they can have faith in their government. I won’t let partisan politics get in the way of doing what’s best for the people of Senate District 5.”
My Platform.
Healthcare
As I’ve been telling voters in Franklin and Somerset counties when I meet them at their doors – no one should have to go bankrupt, delay care, or start a GoFundMe in the event of a medical emergency. As a cancer survivor, I’ve seen how easy it can be to become overwhelmed with bills and fees, and I believe that it is of the utmost importance that Mainers receive the care they deserve at a price they can afford. We must protect MaineCare beneficiaries and all Maine families from predatory insurance practices and price gouging on prescription medications. I am also a strong supporter of comprehensive, affordable, and accessible reproductive health care that includes protecting abortion rights and access, and expanding access to birth control, post-partum care, and fertility care. I will do everything under my power to ensure that the residents of Senate District 5 know that their State Senator will advocate for their reproductive freedom starting day one.
Education
I firmly believe that every student should feel safe and welcome in their learning environment and that diversity and discussion should be encouraged in the classroom. I’m proud to say that both of my daughters, Kyla and Abigail, graduated from Mount Blue High School. For that reason, I also believe that it is important that we continue funding our public schools at the constitutionally mandated level in order to relieve the economic burden of education placed on Maine’s rural towns and townships. Every student deserves quality education in a safe environment.
Infrastructure
Voters in our district, which includes some of the most rural areas in our state, are no stranger to pot holes and dirt roads, and it can sometimes feel like the state government has forgotten about some of our smaller towns and townships. As your State Senator, I will work hard to ensure adequate funding for rural infrastructure projects aimed at fixing our dams, bridges, and roads as well as projects that will expand access to broadband internet and cell signals. I also believe that it is important to strengthen the ability of our county governments to maintain the roads of Maine’s unorganized territories.
Environment
We must protect the environment so that our children and grandchildren can continue to enjoy Maine’s natural landscape while ensuring a strong and vibrant economy. I will work in Augusta to find ways to grow our economy while prioritizing sustaining the environment. Global warming is already affecting Maine’s economy, from the warming of the Gulf of Maine to the increasing damage to our forests. We need to fight global warming to preserve Maine’s historic fishing and marine industries.
On The Campaign Trail.
Proudly Endorsed.
MSEA-SEIU – Maine Service Employees Association
Maine AFL-CIO
Maine Education Association
Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund
Equality Maine
Maine NASW – National Association of Social Workers
Can you help push this campaign forwards?
By signing up to join Stan and others as a campaign volunteer or reaching out with questions or concerns, we can continue to build a campaign rooted in community and compassion. Will you help us bring some common sense leadership to Augusta?
Paid for and authorized by the Candidate.