John Henkelman
For State House District 143
About Me:
Sanford is not just where I live; it is where I have chosen to plant my roots and serve. I first walked into City Hall to offer my skills because I believe that when you love a community, you work to make it better. Through my service on the Sanford Recreation Advisory Board, I have worked to protect our parks and improve local facilities for every resident.
My commitment to our community extends to sharing my love for our local outdoor recreational opportunities as a frequent contributor to the Sanford Springvale News, where I write about exploring our woods and waters safely and enjoyably.
As an adjunct educator at the University of New England, I am invested in the success of our local workforce and the sustainable growth of our region.
I am running for the State House to be a dedicated, present neighbor who puts the needs of our families and the character of our town above special interests or party lines. I will be a representative who listens, shows up, and works as hard for this community as you do.
Scientist:
Data-Driven Solutions
For over a decade, I worked in the high-stakes world of biotech research, where my job was to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines as an analytical development scientist. After seeing firsthand how corporate systems can prioritize the bottom line over the hard-working people who work for them, I decided it was time to put my scientific skills to work for something I enjoy - the outdoors.
Neighbor:
A Voice for Sanford
My wife and I chose to plant our roots in Sanford so I could pursue a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Management, taking my decade of experience in analytical research and applying it to the stewardship of our public lands. Today, I use data to understand how we can better manage our parks and protected areas, ensuring that the Maine way of life is protected and preserved through the use of science and data, not gut feelings.
I believe data-driven decisions are needed now more than ever in Augusta. Whether we are discussing the budget or the protection of natural resources, I will bring the same rigorous, fact-based approach that I used in the lab to the State House.
As a Registered Maine Guide, I take the responsibility of stewardship and tradition seriously. My experiences in other parts of the country such as my solo source to sea journey down the Hudson River, made me realize how unique open access to our lands and waters are. We are lucky to have this Maine Tradition and I will fight to preserve our outdoor heritage for future generations.
For me, being a guide means more than just knowing the trails; it means protecting the woods, waters, and traditions that define us as a community and ensuring they remain accessible to everyone.
Guide:
Protecting the Maine Way of Life
“A Maine Guide looks ahead, reads the trail, and puts people first. That’s how I’ll lead in Augusta - by using facts, planning for the future, and protecting the traditions that make Sanford home. My goal is simple: a community where everyone has the chance to thrive.”
— John Henkelman, Candidate for Maine House of Representatives, District 143
My Priorities:
We are all feeling the squeeze every time we check out at the grocery store or pay for daycare. My priority is putting money back in your pocket by lowering the barriers to affordable childcare and addressing the rising costs of essential goods. We need to make it possible for us to not just get by, but to get ahead.
Lowering Grocery Bills: Supporting initiatives that reduce the tax burden on essential food items, incentivizing local food production to lower transportation costs, and banning predatory “surveillance pricing” that uses your personal data to secretly mark up your grocery bill.
Universal Childcare Access: Expanding state-level subsidies and tax credits to ensure every Maine family has access to safe, high-quality, and cost-effective childcare. This will empower our workforce while also investing in our most valuable asset - the next generation of Mainers.
Supporting Working Parents: Streamlining regulations for local childcare providers to increase the number of available slots in the Sanford area.
Reducing the Cost of Living
A strong community starts with a stable home and the peace of mind that a doctor’s visit will not break the bank. I am committed to increasing the supply of accessible housing in our district and ensuring that Healthcare for All is not just a slogan, but a reality for every Mainer. If you work in Maine, you should be able to live in Maine."
Smart-Growth Housing Solutions: I will advocate for state incentives and reduced "red tape" to create "missing middle" housing for Sanford’s workforce and seniors. By revitalizing underused spaces, we can provide affordable options in our town without compromising our open spaces or neighborhood character
Reliable Healthcare for All: I will work to reduce skyrocketing premiums and hidden fees. By advocating for greater price transparency, lower prescription drug costs, and protecting those with pre-existing conditions, we can ensure every resident in our town has access to high-quality care without the fear of medical debt.
Support for Mental Health & Recovery: I will work to grow our local mental health workforce and expand addiction recovery options. By investing in community-based crisis response, we can ensure our neighbors get the help they need while reducing the strain on our local police, emergency rooms, and the city’s budget.
Strengthening Family Health and Housing
We live in Sanford because we value our outdoor way of life. Our access to the outdoors is a part of what makes our town home. My priority is protecting the Maine tradition of open access to our lands and waters, ensuring that as our community grows, we don't lose the trails, woods, and waters that define us as a community and a state.
Protecting Recreational Access: I will advocate for state programs like Land for Maine’s Future that specifically protect public access for hunting, fishing, and trapping. This ensures that the outdoor traditions we have enjoyed for generations are continued to be passed down.
Supporting Local Trail Networks: I will work in the State House to secure grants for our local trails. By investing in the maintenance of our multi-use trails, we can support our local outdoor economy and keep our town’s recreational spaces safe and accessible.
Responsible Land Stewardship: I support balancing new development with the conservation of our open spaces. By focusing on "smart-growth" in our city’s core, we can take the pressure off our rural areas and protect the quiet, wooded character that we all enjoy.
Conserving Maine’s Future
