After four years as the host of a political talk show on the radio, Kevin Crocker said it’s time for him “put my money where my mouth is.”

“You can only complain so long before you have to do something,” said Crocker, who has only recently left the radio show.

He said he would like to see the state spend less and tax less, which is why he chose to run for House District 126.

Crocker, 56, has lived in Westbrook for more than two decades, for the better part of which, he said, he’s been involved in the city “in one manner, shape or form.” A member of the Republican City Committee, Crocker said he’s helped out on other people’s campaigns and served on some of the mayor’s committees.

Crocker is married to Sandra Phillips and has a daughter and granddaughter. He has an associate’s degree from Belknap College in New Hampshire and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Southern Maine. Mostly, he’s worked in retail for Radio Shack, but recently started working for himself, selling protection from identity theft and plans that give people affordable access to legal rights.

Crocker said he thinks “every arm of government needs to find a way to be more efficient,” and consolidating school districts is one way to help reduce spending in schools. However, he said, he’s not sure if it’s the best plan possible yet, which is something he’d like to have a discussion about if he’s elected.

Crocker said he doesn’t yet know how he’ll vote on the proposal for a casino in Oxford County. He said he’s not a gambler himself, but would like to know all the facts about the proposal before he votes.

Crocker said he will be voting in favor of repealing the beverage tax, which is supposed to fund Dirigo Health – what Crocker called an “abysmally failed program.”

He said he doesn’t support the beverage tax because it was passed without public debate, and he said he knows a lot of small businesses owners personally who have said that they will suffer because of this tax.

Kevin Crocker