ELLSWORTH — Ed Povich of Ellsworth has announced his candidacy for state representative from District 127.

The newly redrawn district includes Clifton, Dedham, Ellsworth, Mariaville and Otis.

“I want to help make a positive change in the state of Maine and in Hancock County,” says the local business owner, who believes the key to stimulating the Down East economy is to bring in more jobs.

Povich, in his prepared announcement, said he would help bring jobs to the Down East area by supporting or introducing legislation that improves the business climate in the state.

“New jobs are crucial,” the candidate said, “because they bring in new tax dollars to help fund education and social programs without increasing the burden to taxpayers.”

Although he has never run for public office, Povich has been involved in politics for many years. Until recently he served as chairman of the Hancock County Democratic Committee, and as campaign committee chairman for the State Democratic Committee. He relinquished the two positions to run for the Legislature.

The Ellsworth native also was chairman of the committee that organized the state party convention in 1992.

He has served the local business sector as a past president of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Ellsworth Merchants Association.

Povich is the owner of Mike’s Country Store on Water Street, a family business since 1897. The store recently was cited as Small Business of the Year by the local Chamber of Commerce.

Active in civic and community affairs, he helped established the Ellsworth Community Chorus and revitalized the Ellsworth Concert Band.

Although business, school and travel have taken him to other parts of the country and the world, he always chose to come back to Ellsworth, where he lives with his wife, Mary, and stepdaughter, Jody.