WELD — State Rep. Thomas Skolfield, R-Weld, hopes to continue the work started by the current administration over the past four years in his first term.

Skolfield, chairman of the Weld Board of Selectmen, was elected to serve House District 112 on Nov. 4.

The district covers the towns of Avon, Carrabassett Valley, Carthage, East Central Franklin Unorganized Territory, Kingfield, Phillips, Sandy River Plantation, South Franklin Unorganized Territory and Weld in Franklin County. It also covers Anson, New Portland and Starks in Somerset County.

“We need to make Maine more affordable and business friendly,” Skolfield said. “Demographically, Maine is the oldest state in the union. We need to move quickly toward changing that. We need to foster more opportunities for our children and grandchildren to stay and thrive in this area.”

He considers residents of Maine to be generous and giving people.

“We willingly take care of those among us who are unable to care for themselves,” he said. “The best way to support able people is to have opportunities for them to support themselves.”

To make that happen, a climate for businesses to operate economically in our state is essential,” Skolfield said.

“In order for Maine to be more business friendly, we need to reduce regulations, energy costs and taxes,” he said. “We need to act in order to (ensure) our resources, our outdoor heritage and traditions are protected from outside influences. The decisions we make regarding them should always be based on science and facts; not emotions. Issues such as these are important — and I believe fundamental — for our state to overcome.”

Skolfield retired five years ago from a 43-year career management position with the Maine Department of Conservation.

dperry@sunjournal.com