Ethan Brownell waits to speak to the crowd at a rally for democracy Sept. 1 in Skowhegan. Ashley McAvoy photo

SKOWHEGAN — Skowhegan’s Coburn Park was the site of a rally for democracy Sept. 1.

Ethan Brownell, a history teacher and father of three, served as master of ceremonies. Brownell, recognized as Maine’s 2023 History Teacher of the Year, is campaigning for state Senate District 3 with a focus on improving support for working families.

The rally addressed issues such as affordable accessible childcare, reproductive rights, healthcare access, and protecting the right to collectively bargain.

“We were on a waiting list for childcare for 15 months,” said Sarah Bigney McCabe, as she spoke to the audience holding her child on her hip, according to a news release from Ashley McAvoy. “I had to reduce my hours and we relied to two sets of grandparents so I could remain working part-time. This is not an option for everybody.”

While there have been strides to address the childcare crisis that still faces Maine, more needs to be done. “Last year my wife and I opened a childcare in our home,” Brownell said. “This was our response to lack of childcare. We see first-hand how challenging things still are for working families in Maine when it comes to childcare. The supports the state offers should not take months to process, dedicated childcare workers should not struggle to live off the wages they make, and families should not have to continue paying more for care they cannot afford but need in order to stay in the workforce. There needs to be even more support and more streamlined services.”

The rally also featured speeches from State Sen. Mattie Daughtry on Family Medical Leave, Maine Senate President Troy Jackson on access to healthcare, Dr. Ann Downey on reproductive rights, and Bonnie Simmons, chapter leader of the Citizens Climate Lobby.

Check out upcoming area events!