Jonathan Connor

My name is Jonathan "Jon" Connor. I am a retired service member-U.S. Air Force-a small business owner and a Maine licensed real estate associate broker. I grew up in Lewiston, graduated from Lewiston High School, joined the service and returned home after my military retirement. My wife of 25 years-high school sweethearts-and I have three grown children and one granddaughter.

• Bring common sense legislation back to Augusta.
• Reign in government spending, taxing and regulation.
• Protect our freedoms and liberties afforded each citizen within both the U.S. and Maine Constitutions.

I am passionate about reducing the size of government and the bureaucratic agencies that require so many tax dollars for very little return. I am passionate about free market capitalism and protecting our freedoms-speech, assembly, bear arms, and worship.

I look up to many people-both alive and deceased. I've looked up to various coaches in my young sports life and I've looked up to teachers and youth pastors. I've looked up to friends and parents of friends. I've looked up to military leaders-both in my direct and indirect chain of command. I've looked up to so many people over my life that it would be impossible to hone in on just one.

Not really.

I believe the number one characteristic for any elected official is transparency and honesty. However, being decisive-whether a right or wrong decision is made-and vulnerable are two key traits a good elected official should have. Finally, a true service before self mentality is needed for any elected official.

As discussed previously in what I believe are the characteristics of a good elected official, I believe I meet those characteristics.
Transparency
Honesty
Trustworthy
Decisive
Service Before Self
Integrity
Strive for Excellence in All I do

The foremost responsibility is doing what is best for the citizens of the state as a whole.

I believe I have already done that. The legacy I leave my family is all that matters to me...any service to my community, state or country from this point forward is superficial. I know what I mean to my family and what traits I have instilled in them to make them productive members of society as well as wonderful parents is all that matters to me.

I remember the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. I was in fourth grade and remember it being heavily discussed as it had a teacher from neighboring New Hampshire-Christa McAuliffe.

My very first job-at the age of 14-was to collect, clean and sell driving range golf balls at a local driving range. I had that job for two seasons before moving on to my fast food career.

1. The Holy Bible-its foundational to everything in this world.
2. No other favorite-I read a variety of genres and have no particular favorite.

I've never really thought about being a fictional character.

I'm sure it was a country song...can't remember it off-hand though.

I've often struggled with being too optimistic with things. I usually surround myself with pessimists and realists that can help me with my expectations.

Aside from the number of citizens being represented, the most important differences between the two chambers is the necessary check and balance they each provide to the other.

No. I believe some of the best politicians have come from private business, military service or clergy. Politics can be found in any place of business, any level of government or any school or church. I believe having common sense and a willingness to serve far surpasses any previous experience in government or politics.

Recovering from the woefully mismanaged response to COVID-19. Restoring trust with the small businesses of Maine and the Maine people. After that, the greatest challenge is the restrictions our state has on private sector growth and an overtaxed citizenry.

I believe the best relationship between the governor and the legislature is a non-combative one. One that focuses on the people and not the party policies. There needs to be a clear balance of power with checks and balances established for both and both need to work in harmony to better serve the people-even if it means taking some political losses for one's "party."

Not only do I believe its beneficial to build relationships with other legislators, I believe it is paramount to the job. I will go one step further, I believe it is paramount for legislators of opposing parties to form strong relationships to better serve the people instead of the party leadership-both in the state and Washington.

I would love to serve on the following committees:
Veterans and Legal Affairs
Taxation
Education and Cultural Affairs
Transportation

Once elected, I would seek a leadership position. I'm not sure which role, I just know that my talents could be well utilized in any leadership position. However, my first responsibility is to serve.

Not particularly.

I loathe career politicians and do not aspire to become one-so right now I would say no.

I do my best to keep personal stories just that-personal. I value a family member, friend or colleague that can keep private conversations private so I will always do the same.