Augusta insider Garrett Mason’s votes against public safety funding, arguing they show misplaced priorities at a time of rising crime, and pledged that as governor he would put public safety first by backing law enforcement, demanding accountability, and taking a tougher stance on crime.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 12, 2025
Leeds, Maine — As communities across Maine grapple with rising crime and growing public safety concerns, Bobby Charles today called attention to recent county-level decisions that he says raise serious questions about priorities and leadership.
Charles pointed to votes by corrupt Augusta insider Garrett Mason on the Androscoggin County Board of Commissioners, including opposition to a proposed public safety bond and resistance to additional funding measures tied to law enforcement infrastructure and leadership compensation.
“Politicians' votes matter,” Charles said. “When crime is increasing and communities are asking for safer streets, leaders should be strengthening public safety capacity not blocking investments that help law enforcement do their jobs. Garrett Mason has voted numerous times in the last year against public safety.”
Recent public reporting and surveys indicate that residents in cities such as Bangor are increasingly concerned about crime trends, while Lewiston continues to face challenges related to crime and public trust in local government. Crime rose year over year in Bangor and Charles argues that these realities make decisions on public safety funding especially consequential.
Charles also noted that Commissioner Mason aligned with Somali-first, leftist commissioner Shukri Abdirahman on these two votes. “Leadership is about judgment,” Charles said. “Who you align with, and how you vote when public safety is on the line, tells voters a great deal.”
As governor, Charles says he would prioritize a clear, consistent approach to public safety: backing law enforcement, demanding accountability, and ensuring communities have the resources they need to keep families safe.
“Maine people deserve leadership that takes crime seriously and acts accordingly,” Charles said. “That starts with putting public safety first. When I am Governor we will lock up criminals, deport illegal immigrants, and stand up for small businesses being hurt by these soft on crime policies.”
About Bobby Charles
Bobby Charles is a former federal investigator, crime fighter, and conservative reformer running for governor of Maine. As Governor, Charles will cut crime, cut taxes, and end the woke nonsense in Augusta.
