Jon Fishman Runs For Political Office In His Hometown

Drummer Jon Fishman of Phish was a vocal and active supporter of Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign for U.S. President. While Fish wasn’t happy with the result, he’s decided to get involved in the political process himself. A report from the Free Press Online confirms Fishman has filed as a candidate for the Lincolnville Board of Selectmen in his hometown of Lincolnville, Maine.

“Bernie was saying, ‘Look at all of you people who got on the Sanders campaign and cared about these issues, you should run for your local offices, your school boards, your select boards and committees,’” Fishman told the Free Press Online’s Andy O’Brien. “Public service is needed across the board, so I guess that kind of sentiment just sat with me.” So far the drummer will join two other candidates on the ballot for two seats. The incumbents incumbents have yet to file but may do so ahead of the May 2nd deadline.

“It’s not an ego thing or anything like that,” Fishman said to O’Brien. “It’s kind of the opposite. I’ve done really well in my line of work, I’ve had a lot of success and I love my job. And I guess I could sit on my butt somewhere and not be engaged, but we do have a personal stake in the well-being of the town.” The report adds Fish is “currently attending selectboard meetings to learn about a range of local issues.” The Syracuse native told the Free Press Online, “I really want to go into this with both feet. If I’m going to do it, I want to do a good job. I’m going to be engaged, and I have no interest in doing it half-assed.”