Joe Leonard

02/13/2024

The voices of Maine's largest municipalities, the economic pillars of our great state—Portland, Lewiston, Auburn, Waterville, and Bangor—are united and resounding in their call for progress. These vibrant communities, each with its unique character and contributions, understand the transformative power that LD 860 holds for the entire state.

From the bustling streets of Portland to the rich history of Lewiston-Auburn, the scenic landscapes of Waterville, and the thriving heartbeat of Bangor, these cities collectively urge the state Legislature to pass LD 860 and work to get Amtrak into Central Maine.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of our economies, these municipalities stand together, emphasizing the vital importance of a comprehensive, multimodal transportation system for the prosperity and sustainable future of Maine. It is a collective demand for connectivity, accessibility, and a greener tomorrow that resonates from the southernmost reaches of our state to the northernmost corners.

Multimodal transportation will be good for our environment, economy and society as a whole.

11/03/2021

There are a lot of people I need to thank for all the help and support for this campaign. I'll get my top two biggest supporters out of the way first: my parents Lisa and Kent Leonard have been die-hard supporters and this campaign could not exist without them literally (and, let's be real, biologically 🤣). A huge shout out to my siblings Jacob, Jaron, Jackson, and Julie for their help (and their patience for taking those obnoxious family photos we thought we never had to do anymore).
There are a lot of political allies that have mentored me and given me a heck of a lot of advice along the way, so I won't be able to label all of you here (apologies in advance). Daniel gave me a near-winning strategy that I will 100% replicate in the future. I absolutely need to thank Joe Baldacci for all of his advice, friendship, and his willingness to deal with me as I deliver ferocious passenger rail testimonies to the MDOT. Jeff Kirlin has been a staunch supporter right from the beginning; whether it was giving advice to shoving his camera in my face, he has been unapologetically been a major help during his free time when he isn't shutting down businesses 🤣.
There are a lot of people throughout this campaign that I really need to thank and give their own posts. Everyone who donated to the campaign, everyone who knocked on doors, everyone shared the campaign through social media, . . . those memes that I can never officially endorse or share but crack me up (I see you Bangor H.S. students 😉), it has all been overwhelming the amount of support that has been given my way. But the last person I need to give a personal shoutout to is Dr. Mark Doty; his final day living in Maine before moving to Texas to retire, we went out to breakfast (and he may deny this but absolutely do not believe him), he grabbed both of my hands, and told me: "Joseph, if you don't run for political office I will be very disappointed in you." So if anyone has an issue with me running for office again, please forward your complaints to Mark XD.
Finally, I will end with this: I won't lie, it definitely sucks losing only by double digits. I could kick myself and nitpick what I did wrong, but I am here to tell you all already that I am absolutely not done fighting. Anyone who knows me will not be shocked to hear that I am already gearing up for the next campaign. I knocked on over 2500 doors, talked to over 1000 voters, and gained many miles on my shoes. Next time the mileage will be even longer. I walk the walk, and I will continue to do so with my next venture. The name Joe Leonard is not gonna stale any time soon.
Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.
See you next time.

11/02/2021

A lot of people have been asking me who is my sign team because they have been impressed with how well distributed and maintained they are. Well, here's a photo of my team. There is no one more skilled and dedicated to proper signage than Kent Leonard.

Shoutout to Jackson Leonard for tagging in when dad got sick.

10/29/2021

It was a tough negotiation, but I finally got the endorsement of Evenrood's! 🤣🤣🤣

10/27/2021

Almost forgot to vote for myself 🤣 Definitely one of the better birthday gifts I have given to myself LOL

10/23/2021

It's always great meeting fellow Veterans while out canvassing.

10/19/2021

This is so incredibly exciting!

https://bangordailynews.com/2021/10/19/news/bangor/35m-in-budget-bills-would-help-umaine-make-affordable-housing-with-3d-printer-xoasq1i29i/

The new "Factory of the Future" would allow the university's composites center to use Maine wood and 3D printing to manufacture housing.

10/14/2021

I am proud to say Bangor Food and Medicine has officially endorsed my campaign for City Council!

Food and Medicine is an awesome organization and has been a huge leader for workers and working families. Please visit their page and website to learn more about the amazing work they do.

www.foodandmedicine.org

10/08/2021

Had a great night with the forum at Bangor City Hall! Thank you to everyone who participated and thank you for watching! November 2nd can't come sooner!

09/28/2021

Looks like Bo Burnham isn't the only one who is talking about this problem.

https://www.vice.com/en/article/bvzqaz/the-inside-story-of-how-berlin-took-on-corporate-landlords-and-won?fbclid=IwAR3x3G_USV2FtM1m0m_6TViWLSlgWfKTqOK9qE4xBEZqww48f3m7GtdAZtc

The city of renters has spoken decisively in a referendum that could have a huge impact not just in Germany’s capital but across Europe.

09/22/2021

Companies like Wal-Mart do not care about local economies. They exist only to maximize their profits. They do this by cutting corners on their taxes, paying their workers so little they lead the nation with workers on food stamps, and by using their economic departure as a threat to get what they want. Companies like Wal-Mart should feel privileged doing business here; if Wal-Mart does not want to pay their fair share in taxes then they should leave the state.

https://bangordailynews.com/2021/09/15/news/hancock/walmart-wants-ellsworth-to-cut-its-local-property-tax-bill-in-half/

In a dispute over how tax assessments are calculated, Walmart in Ellsworth is appealing its bill and asking for a reduction of its property value assessment by half, which would cut it from $20 million to $10 million.

09/21/2021

Maybe having the MDOT turning Rail Corridors into Bicycle Paths is not a smart idea 🤔

https://qz.com/2060700/france-debuted-a-new-tgv-today-will-the-us-ever-get-one/?fbclid=IwAR2J4QYwEw7awgvUg1kJqBTWlj3_NUNPkwu-Q4XZd4MELiwQ9Ry2IqPimC8

France's unveiling of a cheaper, more eco-friendly high-speed TGV is a reminder of how far the US has to go

09/17/2021

Bold Action needs to take place. This is not controversial or partisan; the majority of the population recognizes this crisis for what it is and no longer wants leadership to stand on the sidelines.

https://www.wabi.tv/2021/09/16/over-30-community-organizations-unite-penobscot-county-call-funding-chronic/?fbclid=IwAR1SEO9WFWtveDEO3V9KK_onCMiwL3P--dSkw7OVPX2giWLxuT2lduWKiuE

Dozens of community organizations in Penobscot County are joining together to call for investments in chronic and worsening problems in the region.

08/16/2021

It's official! I will be running for Bangor City Council!

More updates are to come, and I will be collecting 100 signatures to get on the ballot. I will be on Main St. all week 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., so stop on by so I can start knocking on some doors!

Thank you all very much for your support and feedback over the last crazy year, and I cannot wait to spend another one with you all in the Queen City!

04/14/2021

Watch My Guide On How to Submit Testimony

Submit Testimony - https://www.mainelegislature.org/testimony/

LD 1133 PDF Link - http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?ld=1133&PID=1456&snum=130

VOTE OUGHT NOT TO PASS LD 1133

Maine Department of Transportation is telling the legislature to change the law when the legislature is the only body that has the authority to change the law. Further, the State Railroad Preservation Act has protected rail lines for decades and is being threatened by out-of-state special interest groups, and, most notably, LD 1133.

The timing is very poor. Multiple state-wide initiatives pertaining to rail corridors are currently waiting to be presented to the legislature. During a period of time where the Biden administration is looking to massively invest in a national rail system, this legislation would put rail through a committee that will thwart any rail initiatives, national or not.

The bill itself is inherently flawed. Section two incorporates rail language for a bill that is predominately about roads and highways? This section itself should be removed or the legislation should be pushed off later in the year once already submitted rail legislations have been lead by the legislature.

VOTE OUGHT NOT TO PASS LD 1133

04/13/2021

Please contact Augusta to show your support for rail by declaring LD 1133 Ought Not To Pass.

To provide oral testimony, sign up no later than 30 minutes prior to the posted start time of the meeting at https://www.mainelegislature.org/testimony/ ; registrations received after that time will be accepted at the discretion of the committee chairs. Committee meetings may be heard at www.mainelegislature.org or viewed atwww.youtube.com/mainestatelegislature.

04/13/2021

Please contact Augusta to show your support for rail by declaring LD 1133 Ought Not To Pass.

To provide oral testimony, sign up no later than 30 minutes prior to the posted start time of the meeting at https://www.mainelegislature.org/testimony/ ; registrations received after that time will be accepted at the discretion of the committee chairs. Committee meetings may be heard at www.mainelegislature.org or viewed atwww.youtube.com/mainestatelegislature.

10/28/2020

In case you missed the PCHC-organized event last night, you can read my proposal for solving the housing crisis with our homeless population in my BDN article. Link provided below.

https://bangordailynews.com/2020/10/26/opinion/contributors/the-homeless-crisis-is-dire-yet-there-are-solutions/

10/24/2020

It's the age-old question Bangor asks itself, and Sean and I discuss a few ideas to entice young people to live here.

10/20/2020

10/19/2020