JAY -- Paul Gilbert of Jay has announced his candidacy for the House District 87 seat that includes the towns of Centerville, Jay, Mercer, New Sharon and Starks.

Rep. Ray Pineau currently holds that seat but under the term limits statute, he is restricted from running again.

Gilbert said his background underscores his commitment to social justice, good jobs and affordable health care for all.

He knows that there are serious issues that need to be addressed by the Maine legislature.

"We are facing complex problems with no easy simple solutions. There is a need for respect and communication that brings about results that are in the best interest of the people we serve," he said.

He said he has the experience and skills to work in that framework.

"I've worked all my life helping people here in western Maine. We are hard working people who are dedicated to our families and our communities. We deserve to be heard," he said. "It is my intention to listen to those who live in District 87 -- my neighbors -- to understand their point of view and to represent them in the Maine House of Representatives."

Gilbert is a lifelong resident of Jay. He graduated from Jay High School before serving on active duty in the U.S. Army for 3 years. Following completion of his military service, he attended the University of Maine at Farmington and graduated in 1972.

He and his wife, Jean, have been married for 36 years and have three children and seven grandchildren.

He and his wife, Jean, have been married for 36 years and have three children and seven grandchildren.

Gilbert has more than 30 years of private and public sector management experience. He managed supermarkets prior to his long career as Job Service Manager for the State of Maine, serving Franklin and northern Oxford counties. He worked toward the eventual consolidation of two state agencies and nonprofits to form the Maine Career Center Wilton and he was instrumental in locating one of those offices in Franklin County.

He is an active member in the Maine State Employees Association/SEIU Local 1989 and the Maine Council of Senior Citizens. He has volunteered at Seniors Plus/ Western Maine Agency on Aging to help people access the popular tax and rent rebate program and connect with the Medicare Part D prescription program.

He served on the board of Friends Together, a group meeting the needs of those suffering from mental illness and their families and he volunteers with Literacy Volunteers of America and teaches a course on citizenship.

Gilbert also has a long history of community involvement at the local, county and state level in appointed, elected and volunteer positions. He has served on business groups, civic, church and community committees, economic development committees and labor organizations. He has been elected to the Jay School Committee and Board of Selectmen, was also on the town's budget, economic development committee, planning board, Community Development Block Grant committees and the Regional School Planning Committee.