Rick Bennett brings gubernatorial campaign tour to Bangor

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - Independent gubernatorial candidate Rick Bennett took his walking tour to Bangor Monday night.

Bennett hosted a campaign event at Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub.

He outlined what separates him from Republican Bobby Charles and Democrat Hannah Pingree, emphasizing a need for civility and putting the needs of Mainers first.

“Nearly half of Maine households can no longer afford the basics. I hear it from everywhere. Business leaders telling me that they can’t hire people because housing is too expensive, families can’t put down roots in communities,” Bennett said.

Bennett said housing affordability, childcare and job creation are his top concerns, and said he believes this is the year for an independent-minded governor.

“Housing is a huge issue. Childcare is a huge issue. We have childcare deserts across the state. People just can’t find accessible childcare, so it means they can’t go to work. These are the issues that are going to require a bipartisan, nonpartisan, collaborative approach to solving these issues. Government is not delivering what people need,” he said.

His tour continues in Waterville this Saturday.