It’s getting harder to find genuine, hard-working leaders who put service in front of self. We, in Augusta, are lucky to have the opportunity to elect an individual who embodies these qualities and many more for the position of mayor. This individual is Mark O’Brien.

If you haven’t met Mark yet, ask someone around you if they know him. They will likely answer like I do, “He’s one of the best.” Mark’s service to this community is longstanding and honorable. He is the candidate that I stand behind because he is trustworthy, approachable, an exceptional listener, and a consensus builder, and he embodies the two most important things in leadership: integrity and honesty. His decades of service to our community speaks for itself.

Mark understands that economic development is a priority, along with a strong school system, new housing opportunities and successful businesses in the community. He also understands how they are all connected. He is a relationship-builder who can get the right people in the room to make ideas become reality.

You’ll never hear Mark say that he is responsible for making something happen. He is humble, lifts others up and gives credit where it is due, supporting the growth of other leaders in the community. He is the epitome of servant leadership, and looks to the betterment of Augusta in everything he does.

We need a leader who can bring people together, and that leader is Mark O’Brien. I hope you’ll join me in supporting him with your vote on Nov. 2.

Heather Pouliot

Augusta