Douglas Rooks explores Ken Curtis’ legacy in new book

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - Author Douglas Rooks has written a new book on former Maine Gov. Ken Curtis, titled “Transformational: Ken Curtis, Maine’s Reform Governor.”

Summary:

“When elected in 1966 at age 35, Ken Curtis was the nation’s youngest Governor. He served eight years through war and social upheaval, a liberal Democrat who nonetheless transformed state government and put it on a sound financial footing – all while working with a Republican Legislature. Creation of the University of Maine System, vastly expanding public educational opportunities, conserving wilderness and adopting landmark environmental legislation were only the beginning of his numerous successes. Sixty years later, the breadth and durability of these landmarks achieved amid daunting trials offers profound lessons from his time for our own.”

Rooks is a Maine historian, biographer and lifelong journalist. He said Maine Republicans outnumbered Democrats by 4-1 when Curtis began his political career.

“I was intrigued by the question of how he managed to get elected, and then to do all the remarkable things he accomplished as the first governor to serve two four-years terms,” Rooks said.

“Transformational: Ken Curtis, Maine’s Reform Governor” is available wherever books are sold, including: Briar Patch, Bangor; Gulf of Maine Books, Brunswick; Nonesuch Books, South Portland; Anodyne book shop, Searsport and online at douglasrookswrites.com.

On Monday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m., you can join Rooks for a reading and book signing at Bookspace on Columbia Street in Bangor, located just around the corner from the Briar Patch bookshop. He will read from his newest book, which focuses on Maine history and politics.