Ryan Ewing ’01 is kicking off his political career by running for town council in Brunswick, Maine’s Sixth District.

Ewing has pledged to run a grassroots campaign and will neither accept nor spend a dime on the campaign.

“In a town facing fiscal uncertainty, I am campaigning this way to show how you can stretch a dollar,” Ewing said, referring to the recent closing of the town’s naval air station, which will leave many military and civilian workers without jobs.

Ewing, a Political Science major originally from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, was the first of three siblings to attend McDaniel College. His brother Andrew, a Bates Prize winner, graduated in 2003 and is pursuing his doctorate in Economics. Sister Claire Ewing is now a senior.

“I am totally unsurprised that Ryan is pursuing a political career,” said Political Science Professor Herb Smith. “He was very bright, energetic, and interested in community.”

As a member of the non-partisan town council, Ewing says he would hope to make a difference when it comes to neighborhoods, sidewalks, streets, and affordable housing.

Although there is no incumbent, Ewing is running against another candidate who is spending money on the campaign. So, until the Nov. 8 election, Ewing will be knocking on doors trying to drum up support.

“I plan to go out and meet people face to face,” Ewing said. “For a grassroots office, I think there should be a grassroots campaign.”

Click here http://www.ryanewing.com/ for more information about Ryan Ewing’s campaign.