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National Politicians Could Learn a Thing or Two From Maine's Own Mike Beaulieu!

By
Real Estate Agent with Better Homes & Gardens | The Masiello Group

This is not your typical plug for a local candidate.  I believe there is more to be learned here than simply which candidate would be the best choice for our state legislature.  National politicians could learn a thing or two from one of our local candidates about connecting with people and getting back to the true reason they have a job in the first place.

Michael BeaulieuLast night Mike Beaulieu knocked on our door for a visit.  Not because we are important or special, but rather because his campaign, each time it rolls around, consists of him going door to door to meet and speak with ALL of his constituents in Maine House District 68.  Yes, there are actually politicians who make a point of meeting and speaking with their constituents!

My family first met Mike in 2006 when he came around the neighborhood during his first campaign.  We were having coffee on the veranda (i.e.  the driveway) when he walked up and introduced himself.  2006 was a time of heightened partisanship (we now know that it was only the beginning of such a time.)  In typical partisan fashion, our first question to him was "Are you a republican or a democrat?"  Answer...a republican.

We found Mike to be one of the calmest and bravest republicans we have ever met, to sit there and be able to discuss issues with us.  After researching both candidates running for the seat that year, we realized that Mike had given us a gift.  The ability to live our belief of voting for the best candidate no matter what their party...and vote for a republican for the first time in our lives.

 National politicians could learn a thing or two from Mike Beaulieu!  He actually remembers the people he meets.  When he comes around again, he sincerely greets you and your family as if you were old friends and remembers your last conversation.  During the year, we get frequent updates from him.  He sends out an email newsletter that actually includes useful information about issues in our state.  He also sends out a questionnaire that includes information on each of the bills before the legislature and asks for our comments.  And yes, he even responds back once you have turned it in to him.

The most important lesson that national politicians can learn from Mike is to turn off the party line!  When you speak with Mike Beaulieu about issues, you quickly realize that he has researched them and given them a lot of thought.  He is knowledgeable about both the pros and cons and most importantly he gives honest answers without the scripted responses we have become so accustomed to hearing from others.

So listen up national politicians!  We the people are talking to you.  We are tired of your pat answers, rehearsed scripts, and talking points.  No matter what your party affiliations is, we actually do want you to approach each issue with logic and reason.  We want you to utilize facts instead of talking points, no matter how popular those little sound bites may be.  Instead of making promises, you would do well to adopt Mike Beaulieu's list below.  Through his actions, he has lived up to each of these.  Mike let's his constituents know that they can RELY on him to:

  • Apply common sense solutions to issues facing District #68 and our state.
  • Seek and respect your views when voting on state issues.
  • Ensure that your trust in me will be returned with honest and responsible representation.
  • Be informed on every issue and conscious of the impact each could have on you and your family.

 

Posted by

The Maine Real Estate Network - Kristen Wheatley - Lewiston-Auburn Maine Real Estate

Maine Realtor Kristen Wheatley  

Kristen Wheatley is a Maine Realtor working and living in Central Maine.  She specializes in the sale of residential and investment property in the Lewiston-Auburn area and surrounding towns.  Kristen uses the latest tools and mobile technology to provide a superior experience and results for her clients and enjoys sharing these technology skills and teaching other real estate professionals and local small business owners.

The Maine Real Estate NetworkKristen Wheatley, Associate Broker
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34 Center Street - Auburn ME 04210
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Comments (14)

Edward & Celia Maddox
The Celtic Connection Realty - Queen Creek, AZ
EXPERIENCE & INTEGRITY - WE TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

Good example of what politicians should be doing, listening to the people they represent.  Thanks for sharing.

Aug 24, 2010 03:52 AM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Kristen, You didn't ALWAYS vote Republican? :)  Jest kiddin'

But seriously, Mike has a model.  I get SOOOO tired of strict adherence to the party line from both sides.  I'd like to see independent thinking and representation of their constituents.  If they did what they were HIRED to do, we'd probably be better off.

Aug 24, 2010 04:08 AM
Scott Hayes
(512) 786-8300 - Austin, TX
Realty Austin, Broker Associate

Nice post Kristen. I was asked to look for a commercial space for a congressional candidate a few months ago. A candidate trying to seat a well funded, long time incumbent. While discussing the campaigns needs with the handlers, the conversation eventually got around to the election itself.

I told her folks, that no matter her ideology or funding, the best thing to do, would be to go door to door. It seems antiquated, but it works. Looks like it worked for your guy.

Aug 24, 2010 04:51 AM
Charles Edwards Bentonville
Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette 479-253-3796 - Bentonville, AR
AR REALTOR, Bentonville Real Estate Agent and Broker

Kristen, Let's hope the old adage is still true, 'As MAINE GOES, SO GOES THE NATION'.

Aug 24, 2010 05:44 AM
Kristen Wheatley
Better Homes & Gardens | The Masiello Group - Brunswick, ME
Supporting Success - Best Job in the World!

Edward & Celia:  Isn't it refreshing?

Liz & Bill:  Ha Ha!  Aren't we so incredibly demanding?...expecting people to do what they were hired to do.

Scott:  I'm glad you gave her that advice.  Meeting someone in person at your own home gives people an impression that they just can't get at a fundraiser or through commercials.  He earned a lot of respect that first year, and then even more by actually doing what he said he would do.

Charles:  LOL.  I guess we'll see, but I know a lot of states who use that same phrase. :)

Aug 24, 2010 07:30 AM
Malcolm Johnston
Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate LTD., Trenton, Ontario - Trenton, ON
Trenton Real Estate

Not just politicians Kristen, I think everybody (us Real Estate people too) can take a page out of that man's book. Treating people with respect and courtesy seems to be a difficult thing for a lot of folks these days. It must be a nice feeling to know your representative is a man of honour (or honor in your case).

Aug 24, 2010 07:52 AM
Kristen Wheatley
Better Homes & Gardens | The Masiello Group - Brunswick, ME
Supporting Success - Best Job in the World!

Good point Malcolm!  and yes, it is very comforting to have someone like him as our representative.

Aug 24, 2010 07:55 AM
Mitchell J Hall
Manhattan, NY
Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn

All politics and real estate is local. I'm glad you have a good State Senator finding solutions that help serve district #68.

Aug 24, 2010 12:31 PM
Charles Edwards Bentonville
Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette 479-253-3796 - Bentonville, AR
AR REALTOR, Bentonville Real Estate Agent and Broker

Kristen, Oh you don't say. I guess I let that whole, 'sun comes up here first' thing go to my head! lol

Love the posts, keep em rolling along.

Aug 24, 2010 02:26 PM
Kristen Wheatley
Better Homes & Gardens | The Masiello Group - Brunswick, ME
Supporting Success - Best Job in the World!

Mitchell:  So true.

Charles:  I know.  I hesitated to tell you.  Didn't want to burst your bubble.  :)

Aug 24, 2010 03:32 PM
Jason Sardi
Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina - Charlotte, NC
Your Agent for Life

Kristen - I like this on so many levels.  The "Party" thing in many respects is more outdated than Lisa Whelche's haircut in portraying "Blair" in the once famous sitcom, "Facts of Life."

Give me REAL & CARING and while I may not agree with your stance on this or that, at least I know it's genuine.  It's often written and said that we live in the greatest country on earth and I believe it.  I just want to breath it.

Aug 24, 2010 04:34 PM
Kristen Wheatley
Better Homes & Gardens | The Masiello Group - Brunswick, ME
Supporting Success - Best Job in the World!

I know what you mean Jason.  Everytime I start to sit back and breathe it in, I get the faint odor of something else.  It is really nice to have a logical rational human being as your representative.  Now if we could just get that idea to spread, the air might clear.

Aug 24, 2010 04:42 PM
Mike Saunders
Retired - Athens, GA

Kristen - he sounds like the kind of candidate that we need more of in Washington, someone who understands the issues. Hopefully, he reads the bills before voting on them.

Aug 25, 2010 02:05 AM
Kristen Wheatley
Better Homes & Gardens | The Masiello Group - Brunswick, ME
Supporting Success - Best Job in the World!

I agree Mike and yes, he reads them and researches them (I know...a new concept for many in the national scene.)  Fortunately for us he is also on the state's Judiciary Committee.

Aug 25, 2010 02:23 AM