Ed Thelander, a retired Navy Seal and candidate for Federal Congressional District CD-1, addressed an energized group of voters at the Montsweag Restaurant on Thursday, Dec. 2. Ed, who lives in Bristol, continued with several of his campaign themes: Love and pride for America which led to his years of service first in the Navy, then work with local fire and sheriff departments, and finally to his decision to run for office.

He expressed concern for the national debt, runaway spending, and inflation. He is concerned about our country’s shift to socialism and has firsthand experience in what that type of government can do to a country. His wife, Liliana, has watched the socialist reshaping of her native country, Venezuela, and was later joined by her parents who are now also living in Maine.

As an engaged father with three children, he is also concerned about education and what is being taught in schools today. As a Navy Seal he taught counterintelligence where small truths are manipulated to shake a soldier’s confidence in their country and has seen this work on unprepared soldiers. Some of the curriculum he sees in school today is similar except that it is being used in grade school when children are especially vulnerable.

He also expressed concern about 2,700-page bills put together by special interest groups that commit billions in spending and taxes. Bills which no one has read in full before being voted on and signed into law. When questioned about green energy he said he believed in wind and solar energy and felt it should be part of a robust system that balances cost, reliability, and use of resources as we move to renewables. He also expressed an interest in safe nuclear power as well as a concern about wind turbines off our coast, especially in winter where conditions will be harsher than the cold that led to their failure in Texas earlier this year.

When asked about term limits he replied he was for them and, if elected, he was prepared to serve the country for another 12 years but then he would like to retire.