Jason Levesque Press release

LEVESQUE FOR CONGRESSMaine 2nd DistrictP.O. Box 1387Auburn, ME 04211INTERVIEW CONTACT:Vic Berardelli, Communications Director(207) 949-2438AUBURN, ME - (June 4, 2009) - Jason Levesque, an Androscoggin Countybusiness and civic leader, has announced as Republican candidate inMaine’s 2nd Congressional District."I grew up in Maine, I'm raising a family in Maine, and I run a business in Maine. Everyday, I see the challenges Mainers are facing firsthand,"said Levesque. "As Mainers are losing their jobs and their homes, andtheir 401ks are turning into IOUs, Mike Michaud has sat idly by andoffered only Band-aids and photo ops instead of long-term solutions.""If Maine and our nation continue down its current path, we will reach a point of no return, and be forced to accept a lower standard of living andan increasing threat to our national security," Levesque said. "Simplyput: Mike Michaud has failed to do his job; thousands of Mainers are outof their jobs; so why should Mike Michaud keep his?"Stemming the exodus of Maine’s families to other parts of the country byreenergizing western, central and northern Maine’s economy is a main focusof Levesque’s campaign. As a businessman, Levesque believes an effectiveCongressman works for long-term good rather than short-term fix.“The real problem in Washington is that they show up with Band-aids andphoto-ops after people suffer from losing jobs but do nothing when itcomes to creating long-term solutions which would provide secure goodpaying jobs for Maine workers,” Levesque said. “We need a businessman inWashington who understands the economy and job creation. You don’t go to aplumber for your heart surgery, so why go to professional politicians tofix the economy? Career politicians have failed miserably and it‘s timethe people took back their House. .A Congressman shouldn’t be invisibleuntil hard working folks get laid off and then show up only with temporaryhelp. It's time citizens with proven leadership and real world experiencewent to Washington to create long-term solutions which would providesecure good paying jobs for Maine workers."Levesque said he would use his entrepreneurial background to be anaggressive advocate for Maine development and federal seed money to helpstart-up businesses and let them grow so that job opportunities expand insectors such as sustainable alternative energy which responsibly useMaine‘s natural resources."High energy costs last year, destroyed many family budgets. People shouldnot be forced to choose between home heating oil and food. We must tapAmerica's energy and ingenuity by investing in research and development ofalternative means of energy," Levesque said.Levesque, a veteran of active military service, said he would be aforceful advocate for improved training, funding and support of men andwomen serving their country in uniform and to improve services to veteranswhen they return home.“I know first hand that regardless of any political discussions back inWashington, once they are sent into harm’s way we owe it to them that theybe fully-funded and supported so that they can return home whole andhealthy,” Levesque said. “And for our veterans, we made a promise tothose men and woman who serve our country that if they protect us, we will protect them. We must honor our commitments to them by ensuring that theyget the best care and best services."JASON LEVESQUE BACKGROUND:Jason Levesque is a successful entrepreneur who started Argo MarketingGroup in Auburn, when he was not yet 30, in 2003 and built it into a firmserving national and international clients, earning in excess of $1.5million annually. His business directly employs 28 local people and,through affiliate companies contracted with Argo, has helped provideemployment for hundreds more in the Lewiston-Auburn, Augusta-Watervilleand Bangor-Brewer areas.Levesque grew up in Maine and comes from a family with five generations ofMaine roots.His grandfather, the late-Willard Levesque, came with his family fromCanada and grew up in Madawaska and Grand Isle, laboring in the potatofields and forests which sustained the local economy. After service inWorld War II, with several decorations for valor under fire in theEuropean campaign, he moved his family to Androscoggin County for betteremployment opportunities. He worked many years in the Auburn HighwayDepartment, retiring as chief mechanic.His grandmother, Arlene Duprey Levesque grew up in Machias, the daughterof a lumberman. Her family moved to Androscoggin County during the GreatDepression to seek opportunity in the mills. She labored in area orchardsand factories. She is still active in local senior citizen organizations.Jason’s mother, Patricia, grew up in the Lewiston-Auburn area but left thestate for job prospects when the area hit hard times with highunemployment in the late-1960s. She met Jason’s father, a Greek immigrant,in Baltimore, where Jason was born in 1974. When he was four, she broughthim back to her Maine roots. She still works for L.L. Bean in Lewiston.Jason Levesque graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn, wherehe was active in Key Club, Interact and other community serviceorganizations and appeared in school plays. He served on the stategoverning board of DeMolay. An accomplished athlete, he played soccer andran track.Levesque started college at West Virginia Wesleyan University but leftafter several semesters to enlist in the United States Army. He served inthe First Infantry Division and earned the highly-prized Expert Infantrydesignation. His leadership abilities were first noticed by superiorofficers who elevated him in rank and responsibilities as an Infantry TeamLeader. Upon discharge, he served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves,including a tour of duty as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Leonard Woods, MO.Levesque continued college at the University of Southern Maine, working topay his tuition. His jobs included swimming instructor for the PortlandSchool System and Lewiston YWCA. He also took a part-time telemarketingjob, where his leadership abilities were noticed and he advanced totraining and management assignments, eventually as Director of Sales witha staff of 150 employees.Levesque is married to the former Tracey Bilodeau, who grew up in Augustaand attended Cony High School . She is a graduate of New England CulinaryInstitute. She has a successful career as a chef and restaurant manager,which she has put on hold to raise a young family.Levesque has three children: Alexandra (Ali), 11; Ethan, 3, and one yearold Sarah.


***** Jason will be our guest June 27th 9am at the ballard hill*********