Bobby Charles holds town hall in Brewer, cites affordability crisis

BREWER, Maine (WABI) - Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles took his campaign to Penobscot County Thursday night.

Charles hosted a town hall at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer, fielding questions from voters on the biggest issues facing Mainers.

He spoke in depth about the affordability crisis, energy costs and statewide healthcare.

Charles argued the state needs an immediate change in direction, stating that many of the issues the state is facing have a common denominator.

He also said his plan to deliver on campaign promises separates him from traditional candidates.

“The real cause here, from high property taxes, high income taxes, high energy costs, drug traffickers everywhere, insufficient recovery services, schools that are failing and fraud, is that the state, literally the insiders in Augusta who have controlled this state for 30 of 32 years, and in particular the last eight, have really failed the Maine people. It is a systemic failure,” Charles said.

“This is the last major mission of my life. You can trust what I tell you. You go back and look at my record, I got a great education. I grew up here building houses with World War II vets. I expect to be held as accountable as I would hold someone else accountable.”

The town hall also featured several other Republicans running for state offices.

Charles is slated to participate in four debates alongside Democrat Hannah Pingree and Independent Rick Bennett. He has also signed onto a fifth forum.