Arlie Hetrick

Going Out on a Limb for You

Running to represent Canton, Dixfield, Hartford, Livermore, Mexico, Peru, in District 77

About Arlie

I grew up in a union family in West Virginia, where I learned the value of hard work and what happens when good jobs disappear and communities are left behind. I carried that with me through 22 years as a union industrial painter, working on bridges, power plants, and refineries. It was tough, sometimes dangerous work, but it gave me the chance to raise my family and build a life I’m proud of.

I never planned on running for office. I’m not a politician—I’ve spent my life working hard at the job in front of me and taking care of my family. But here in western Maine, I see too many people working just as hard as I did and still struggling to get by, while decisions are made by people who don’t live that reality. That’s what pushed me to step up.

After retiring, my wife and I settled here in Maine and built our life on a small farm. What I see now is familiar—people doing everything right, but wages not keeping up, opportunities shrinking, and too many families just trying to hold things together. That’s why I’m running: to make sure people aren’t just surviving, but have a real chance to get ahead. I’ll focus on good jobs, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and making sure people can afford to live—because Augusta needs more voices that understand what everyday life is really like.

  • I never planned on running for office. I’m not a politician. I’m a working person who’s spent my whole life doing the job in front of me and taking care of my family. But when I look around at our communities here in western Maine, I see too many people working just as hard as I have and still struggling to get by.

  • My parents worked in a glass plant, and I learned early what it meant to show up, work hard, get through tough times together. When that plant closed, I saw what happens when good jobs disappear and communities get left behind. We got by because there were still safety nets in place, but I’ve watched those supports disappearing over time.

  • I don’t believe the system should be tilted toward the wealthy while working people struggle.

  • Too many people in our district are doing everything right and still falling behind.

What Matters Most

Good Jobs & Apprenticeships

I want to create real pathways into good-paying jobs, especially for young people who don’t want or can’t afford a traditional college route. Expanding apprenticeships and investing in the trades will help people get to work faster, earn good wages, and build a future right here in our communities.

Lower Costs & Economic Reality

I’ve lived the reality of worrying about bills and watching costs go up. Too many people in our district are doing everything right and still falling behind. I’m focused on policies that actually help working people keep more money in their pockets and make everyday life more affordable.

Support for Working Families

In our district, too many families are just trying to hold things together, put food on the table, keep the heat on, and get their kids through school. I’m running to make sure people are housed, fed, and supported so they’re not just surviving, but have a real shot at getting ahead.

Protecting Social Security & Medicare

People paid into Social Security and Medicare their entire lives with the promise those programs would be there when they needed them. I’ll fight to protect and strengthen those programs.

Fair Taxes & Standing Up for Working People

I don’t believe the system should be tilted toward the wealthy while working people struggle. I support making the wealthy pay their fair share and using that to strengthen programs that actually help people, so we can build an economy that works for everyone, not just the top.