COVID-19 and high cost of living remain daily challenges for Lincoln County residents and everyone across the U.S. In Lincoln County, state senate candidate David Levesque points toward opiate addiction and climate change as top local problems. Levesque, 57, of Newcastle faces Cameron Reny, 36, of Round Pond in the June 14 state senate Democratic primary. 

He describes the addiction crisis as being overshadowed by the pandemic. “Nobody is talking about deaths from fentanyl overdoses,” he said. “I favor drug sentencing reform which stresses recovery over a jail term. We’re punishing them for the crimes they did, but not (addressing) the underlying problem.” He advocates for more substance and disorder courts which help addicts in their recovery. Maine adult drug treatment courts are specialty dockets for eligible people whose involvement with the criminal justice system has been fueled by a serious substance-use disorder. Part of his agenda includes adding a substance and disorder court in Lincoln County. It would also serve as part of a recovery program due to a recovery house’s inclusion. “The closest (substance and disorder) courts are in Portland and Augusta. Having one in Lincoln County would benefit the area immensely. The transition house would provide a supportive environment where people could transition back into society,” he said.

Levesque wants the next legislature to address sea level rise. He supports renewable energy and wants to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. An experimental wind-power project is planned for East Boothbay in 2023. New England Aqua Ventus plans on placing a single 10-12 megawatt turbine two miles off Monhegan Island. The project seeks to lay over 20 miles of cable several feet under the ocean floor to East Boothbay.

In recent months, the proposal has concerned East Boothbay residents over an apparent lack of state oversight for the project. Residents fear the project will negatively impact the community and that state officials won’t properly regulate the project. As a potential state senator, Levesque would open a dialogue with project stakeholders to balance quality of life and environmental issues. “If there is something happening detrimental to the local village, it’s my job to listen, and make sure the rules are followed,” he said. 

The North Atlantic right whale controversy is another hurdle facing the local fishing industry. Maine Lobstermen’s Association has launched a three-year, $10 million fundraising campaign to fight federal regulations. MLA described new federal regulations as “onerous” and a threat to the industry’s future. Levesque agrees with lobstermen there is no proof linking right whale deaths to Maine fishermen. But he doesn’t support Maine’s contributing to the fundraising campaign. “If the state participated it should be through the attorney general’s office. I support their fight, but not contributing financially,” he said.

On the campaign trail, Levesque reported Democratic primary voters are concerned about the fall election and the cost of living. “Besides everything costing too much, voters are scared about Paul LePage and Republicans controlling the State House,” he said. “They don’t want to go back. The recently leaked Supreme Court memo about Roe. V. Wade being overturned has them concerned about reversing abortion and gay marriage decisions,” he said. 

Levesque is pro-choice. He describes himself as a ‘moderate” with some progressive values. “I support public education from pre-K to 12 along with two to four years of post-secondary education. I view health care as a right,” he said. “I’m conservative on other issues. Government should understand the burden laws, policies and regulations have on small business.” On issues of sexual orientation and gender, Levesque believes in equality and inclusion. “Women, minorities, transgender people should not be recriminated against,” he said.

In January, the next legislature will face economic challenges not seen in four decades. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in March, the Consumer Price Index reached  8.5%, the highest 12-month increase since 1981. Nationwide, citizens are struggling with high costs of housing, food, transportation and home heating. Levesque was asked if the state should temporarily suspend the state income tax to help families pay their monthly bills. “I don’t think so,” he said. “Because I’m not sure what we would replace it with. Taxes are to pay for government. This would likely result in a property tax increase,” he said. 

Levesque supports electric vehicles to help combat climate change, but he is not ready to support increasing the gas tax to pay for more charging units. “I think that should be done through grants. I don’t support increasing the gas tax at this time,” he said. 

Levesque is married to Susan Levesque. The couple has three sons: Luke, 26, Austin, 17, and Joseph, 14. He graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1984. Levesque earned degrees from University of Maine at Farmington, University of Southern Maine and Maine School of Law. Prior to running for the legislature, he served one year as a Newcastle selectman and broadband committee member. Levesque operates a private law practice in Damariscotta.