Charles Tilburg
Putting Maine Families First
Affordability
Education
Conservation
A Future for Our Kids
I’m Charles Tilburg—a scientist, teacher, father, and proud (adopted) Mainer. Growing up in a military family, I’ve lived all over the world, but for the past 19 years, Maine has been my home. It's where I have raised my family and it's the community to whom I've committed myself. As a professor of Marine Sciences at the University of New England, I’ve dedicated my life to understanding and protecting the environment we all depend on, as well as sharing this knowledge with the next generation of scientists. I want to be your State Representative in Augusta because I love Maine, its people, and its future. I believe in bipartisan solutions, not political games. I want a brighter tomorrow for our children, and I’m ready to give back to the state that’s given me so much.
I am running for State Representative of District 137 so that I can help solve the problems that I know so many of my neighbors in Buxton & Hollis are facing.
I am an engineer at heart. Engineers don’t care about who came up with the solution, just that it works! I will make certain that we have good jobs and housing for people that live here, a bright future for our children, and a clean environment.
Putting Maine Families First: Affordable Homes, Strong Schools, Clean Environment, and a Future for Our Kids
Maine families deserve the chance to build secure lives in communities they love. In Buxton, Hollis, and across our state, too many neighbors are struggling with the rising cost of housing, the challenges facing our schools, and the need to protect the natural resources that define who we are. I believe the people elected to represent us should focus less on fighting and more on solving problems—making it possible for every family to afford a home, educate their children, and look forward to a brighter future. My commitment is simple: to stand up for affordability, strengthen education, protect the character of our community, conserve Maine’s environment, and ensure that our kids inherit a safe, prosperous world.
Priorities:
My experiences have culminated in four priorities that I will ensure are reflected in my time in Augusta.
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✔Homes Mainers Can Afford — expand access to affordable housing so families can put down roots.
✔Fair Taxes, Fair Chance — ease the property tax burden on working families.
✔Support Local Business —strengthen small businesses to keep our Main Streets resilient and our kitchen table costs manageable.
✔Quality Care Close to Home — ensure every Mainer can access affordable, reliable health care without long waits or long drives.
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✔Strong Schools, Bright Futures — invest in quality public education that prepares kids for college, trades, and careers.
✔STEM & Career Pathways — expand opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and trades by continuing to support state investment programs in workforce training.
✔Affordable Higher Education — ensure students can pursue college or training without crushing debt.
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✔Protect Maine’s Natural Resources — safeguard forests, rivers, and coastlines for recreation and heritage.
✔Clean Water, Clean Air — defend the health of our communities by reducing PFAS contamination and coastal pollution.
✔Extreme Storm Preparedness — prepare for extreme storm events by protecting towns from flooding and erosion.
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✔Economic Fairness — make it possible for families to own homes, educate their kids, and thrive.
✔Safe Communities — invest in infrastructure and public safety so children grow up secure.
✔Opportunities for Youth — create pathways for young people to stay in Maine and succeed.