GORHAM — Republican candidate for governor Bobby Charles said Thursday that if he’s elected in November, he will eliminate regulations on cities and towns that drive up property taxes and crack down on corruption.

Outside a barn in Gorham, Charles, a former Naval intelligence officer, lobbyist and attorney, launched his general election campaign.

He said he’s spent 15 months meeting with more than 25,000 Mainers.

“This state is crying for reform,” he said. “It’s crying for accountability and for a restoration of trust in our government. If ever Maine needed a change agent, it is now.” 

Charles faces former Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree, a Democrat, and state Sen. Rick Bennett, an independent, on the fall ballot.

Charles said he believes there’s “hundreds of millions in waste and misuse” in state government, primarily at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

In recent months, the department has suspended payments to five providers, terminated two licenses, and disenrolled 28 caregiver agencies for not filing claims, the department said Aug. 5.

Charles also said he wants to cut state spending by $1 billion in the first year and help ease local property taxes by getting rid of state mandated regulations. 

He called those mandates “an abuse of power” by Democrats, who have been in charge of the Legislature and governor’s office for the last eight years.

“What the people want at the town level is control over more of their destiny without being told by the state that you’re going to go regulate their frog pond,” he said.

Charles, Pingree and Bennett are all competing to replace Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat who is finishing out her second and final term.

On Thursday in Auburn, Bennett, a former Republican, unveiled his environmental policies, including proposing stronger protections for water quality, reducing pollution and supporting the state’s natural resources. 

“It protects our health, supports our economy, strengthens our communities, and preserves the Maine way of life for the next generation,” he said in a statement.

Pingree, who most recently served as head of Gov. Janet Mills’ planning and climate office, has been campaigning in Washington and Hancock counties in recent days, including a visit to Acadia National Park and the Maine Maritime Academy, according to her spokeswoman.

Charles also spoke Thursday about his belief that crime is significantly underreported in Maine, saying that the state has failed to adequately address an influx of narcotics from other states. 

He also pitched ways to reduce energy costs by expanding natural gas pipeline service in Maine, replacing members of the Public Utilities Commission with energy experts and ending a program that provides subsidies for solar power. 

“This election is bigger than policy,” he said. “It is fundamentally about character, competence, integrity in the Maine government. Regardless of party, change is needed, sorely needed.”