Alexander Cornell du Houx

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Alexander Cornell du Houx
Alex Cornell du Houx
Member of the Maine House of Representatives
from the 66th district
In office
December 2008 – December 2010
Preceded byStan Gerzofsky
Member of the Maine House of Representatives
from the 66th district
In office
December 2010 – December 2012
Succeeded byMichael McClellan
Personal details
Born (1983-03-06) March 6, 1983 (age 41)
Political partyDemocrat
ResidenceBrunswick, Maine
Alma materBowdoin College
OccupationOfficer in the US Naval Reserve
Websitehttp://alexcornell.org/

Alexander Cornell du Houx (born March 6, 1983) is an American politician from Maine and officer in the U.S. Navy. He Joined the U.S. Marines out of high school and was deployed to Iraq. He was elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 2008 and 2012, worked for the Truman National Security Project on energy security, received a direct commission in the Navy reserves and deployed to the Middle East.

State legislature[edit]

Cornell du Houx was elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 2008, representing District 66, Brunswick for two terms.[1][2] He served on the Veterans’ and Legal Affairs Committee and the Energy, Technology and Utilities Committees. He was chair of the Veterans Caucus and served on the task force to combat veteran's homelessness.[3][4] Cornell du Houx served as vice-chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures' Agriculture and Energy Committee and served on NCSL's Criminal Justice Committee.[5] He helped found and lead the Coalition of Legislators for Energy Action Now.[6][7][8] He is also a vice-chair of the DNC's Veteran and Military Families Council.[9][10]

According to Maine.gov,[11] Cornell du Houx sponsored or co-sponsored 155[12] bills, rules, memorials, sentiments or resolutions during the 124th Legislature and 136[12] during the 125th Legislature. This includes seven bills enacted into law[12] sponsored (as compared with bills co-sponsored, rules, memorials, sentiments or resolutions) by Rep. Cornell du Houx in 2008-2010 (124th) and seven bills sponsored and enacted in 2011/2012 (125th).[12][13] Successful legislation co-sponsored by Cornell du Houx includes 98 bills in 2008-2010.[12][13]

In 2012, Cornell du Houx chose not to run for re-election, as he was called to active duty with the U.S. Navy. At the same time he was involved in a public "falling out" with fellow representative Erin Herbig, after their engagement was called off.[14][15][16][17][18]

Cornell du Houx's time in the Legislature was chronicled in the book On Point: Voices and Values of the Young Elected Officials by Jeff Thigpen, with a foreword written by Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell.[19][20] His political and military service was also featured in the Military Times.[21]

Military service[edit]

Cornell du Houx enlisted in the U.S. Marine Reserves in 2002, upon graduating from Carrabec High School. He attended Recruit Training and the School of Infantry where he received a Military Occupation Specially of 0351 Assaultman, working with demolitions and rockets and assigned to an infantry unit. He was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division. Cornell du Houx was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in 2006 and spent a year conducting security and counter-insurgency operations.[22][23][24] He was profiled by NBC Nightly News during his deployment to Iraq.[25]

Energy security and climate change[edit]

Cornell du Houx was hired by the Truman National Security Project to start the program Operation Free, a coalition of veterans and national security experts who believe oil dependence and climate change pose threats to national security.[26] As part of Operation Free, Cornell du Houx organized and spoke at press conferences and events at the White House,[27][28][29] and participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.[30][31] He also organized state legislators across the U.S. to promote clean energy policies and organized numerous multimillion-dollar media efforts.[32][33][34][35] Operation Free won the coveted Campaign and Elections REED award for the best Public Affairs Campaign of 2010.[36]

Diplomatic relations[edit]

Cornell du Houx traveled with the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs American Council of Young Political Leaders exchange program to foster government-to- government relations and promote mutual understanding, respect, and friendship, with the goal of cultivating long-lasting relationships among young people, who are poised to become tomorrow's global leaders and policy makers.[37] Cornell du Houx traveled to Indonesia and Malaysia and he helped organize and lead the programs' first delegation of U.S. veterans to Australia.[38][39][40] The pilot exchange was considered successful, and as a result the State Department decided to continue funding veteran's delegations, which traveled to Japan in the summer of 2013.[41][42] Cornell du Houx has also traveled to China and Israel to meet with government officials and foster state-to-state relations.

Community service[edit]

Cornell du Houx volunteered with Habitat for Humanity since entering Bowdoin College, and also served on their board in Maine.[43] He led a service trip to Guatemala with the program Safe Passage, to help kids move from working in the city dump to gaining an education. He also worked in Peru to help build playgrounds for children in Lima's poorest areas and conducted a year of service with AmeriCorps.[44] Cornell du Houx coached lacrosse and soccer at Brunswick Junior High School.[45] He co-chairs the Mitchell Institute's Alumni Council and sits on their advisory board, which works to provide opportunity and access to higher education.[46][47][48] Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell publicly stated, “Alex’s commitment to serving the greater good may be equaled by a rare few, but it is surpassed by none.”[20] He is also the legislative officer for the Brunswick American Legion and senior advisor to the American Veterans Committee.[49]

Education[edit]

Cornell du Houx grew up in Solon, Maine and attended Carrabec High School. He was accepted to Bowdoin College as a George J. Mitchell Scholar[50] and graduated with honors in Government and Legal Studies, with a minor in Theater in 2008.[51] Newsweek chronicled his return to campus after serving with the Marines in Iraq.[52]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "The Magazine for People in Politics | Campaigns & Elections". Archived from the original on March 3, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  2. ^ "Orient Express · Election Night: LePage elected Governor; Pingree". Bowdoinorientexpress.com. 2010-11-02. Archived from the original on 2015-10-05. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  3. ^ "Maine House of Representatives: Alexander Cornell du Houx". Maine.gov. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  4. ^ "Maine House of Representatives: Alexander Cornell du Houx". Maine.gov. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  5. ^ "Legislative News, Studies and Analysis | National Conference of State Legislatures". Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved June 28, 2012.
  6. ^ "Rep. Cornell du Houx, other legislators, urge Sens. Snowe and Collins to support green jobs bill « Alex Cornell du Houx — District 66, Maine". Alexcornell.org. Archived from the original on 2014-11-29. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  7. ^ "Maine GOP expands fundraising efforts | the Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram". Archived from the original on February 26, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  8. ^ "Bipartisan group of 1,198 state legislators urges Congress, Obama to pass climate and clean energy jobs bill". ThinkProgress. 2010-01-25. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  9. ^ "Veterans & Military Families". Archived from the original on March 4, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  10. ^ "National Caucus of Environmental Legislators". NCEL. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  11. ^ "State of Maine Legislature Bill Status Advanced Search". Archived from the original on December 31, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
  12. ^ a b c d e "State of Maine Legislature Bill Status Search Results". Archived from the original on December 31, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
  13. ^ a b "2008-2010 Legislation Co-Sponsored by Rep. Cornell Du Houx" (PDF). Alexcornell.org\accessdate=2015-05-22. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-12-31. Retrieved 2014-12-31.
  14. ^ "Legislators' falling out revived in emails". Portlanddailysun.me. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  15. ^ Cousins, Christopher (2012-07-08). "Cornell du Houx: I didn't announce withdrawal from House race because I didn't want to violate agreement — Politics — Bangor Daily News — BDN Maine". Bangordailynews.com. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  16. ^ Amber Cronin (2012-07-10). "Brunswick lawmaker says his aim is to 'move on'". The Forecaster. Archived from the original on 2013-02-22. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  17. ^ "– Cornell du Houx won't seek re-election". Pressherald.com. 2012-06-29. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  18. ^ "– Cornell du Houx drops out of House race". Pressherald.com. 2012-06-30. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  19. ^ Jeff L. Thigpen (2012). On Point: Voices and Values of the Young Elected Officials: Jeff L. Thigpen: 9781882190119: Amazon.com: Books. Polar Bear. ISBN 978-1882190119.
  20. ^ a b "Rep. Alexander Cornell du Houx is highlighted in new book". Archived from the original on March 4, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  21. ^ "Military Times Profile on Rep. Alex Cornell du Houx « Alex Cornell du Houx — District 66, Maine". Alexcornell.org. Archived from the original on 2015-04-18. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  22. ^ Kowitt, Beth (October 26, 2006). "Marine returns from Iraq service". Bowdoin Orient. Retrieved 22 November 2014.
  23. ^ "Cornell du Houx '06 called to serve in Iraq — The Bowdoin Orient". Bowdoinorient.com. 21 October 2005. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  24. ^ "Cornell du Houx leaves Bowdoin for Iraq service — The Bowdoin Orient". Bowdoinorient.com. 2 December 2005. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  25. ^ Michael Block (2011-12-21). "State, Local Officials Mark the End of War in Iraq | The White House". whitehouse.gov. Retrieved 2015-05-21 – via National Archives.
  26. ^ "Operation Free". Operation Free. 2015-04-22. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  27. ^ "Alex Cornell du Houx '06 Addresses Climate Change at White House, Campus News (Bowdoin)". Bowdoin.edu. 2009-09-17. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  28. ^ "Global Climate Change Legislation | Video | C-SPAN.org". C-spanvideo.org. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  29. ^ Cornell, Alex (2009-09-25). "Operation FREE visits the White House - with former Sen. John Warner (R-VA)". YouTube.com. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  30. ^ "Combat vet takes cause to Denmark « Alex Cornell du Houx — District 66, Maine". Alexcornell.org. Archived from the original on 2014-12-03. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  31. ^ "Urgent to act now in Copenhagen, say Midwest leaders « Alex Cornell du Houx — District 66, Maine". Alexcornell.org. Archived from the original on 2014-12-03. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  32. ^ "Climate change push targets Collins, Snowe « Alex Cornell du Houx — District 66, Maine". Alexcornell.org. Archived from the original on 2015-04-18. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  33. ^ Cornell du Houx, Alexander (August 27, 2009). "Vote for Clean Energy is Vote for National Security". The Portland Press Herald. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
  34. ^ "U.S. military veterans travel to Copenhagen to discuss security threats of climate change | WWF Climate Blog". Wwfblogs.org. Archived from the original on 2015-04-18. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  35. ^ "Veterans push for energy bill « Alex Cornell du Houx — District 66, Maine". Alexcornell.org. 2010-06-12. Archived from the original on 2015-04-18. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  36. ^ "Reed Awards Finalists Announced | Campaigns & Elections". Archived from the original on March 3, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  37. ^ "American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) | Exchange Programs". Exchanges.state.gov. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  38. ^ "Rep. Alex Cornell du Houx Leads State Department Trip of Veterans and Lawmakers to Australia". Archived from the original on March 4, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  39. ^ "ACYPL Bilateral Exchange Program 2011". Slideshare.net. 2011-08-26. Archived from the original on 2016-02-03. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  40. ^ "Rep. Cornell du Houx returns from Australia, reflects on trip « Alex Cornell du Houx — District 66, Maine". Alexcornell.org. 2012-07-02. Archived from the original on 2015-08-10. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  41. ^ "[US Vets to Japan] Aileen Kenney: A Tale of Two Countries | Blog". Acypl.org. 2013-10-15. Archived from the original on 2016-02-03. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  42. ^ "[US Vets to Japan 2013] Dan Murray: Asking the Right Questions | Blog". Acypl.org. 2013-10-17. Archived from the original on 2016-02-03. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  43. ^ "Candidate - Alexander Cornell du Houx". Our Campaigns. 1983-03-06. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  44. ^ "Alex Cornell du Houx, Student Profile (Bowdoin)". Bowdoin.edu. 2008-01-17. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  45. ^ "Letter: Re-elect Cornell du Houx". The Forecaster. 2010-10-18. Archived from the original on 2014-03-01. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  46. ^ "The Mitchell Institute". Archived from the original on January 16, 2012. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  47. ^ "– Mitchell Institute gala raises $150,000". Pressherald.com. 2010-10-23. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  48. ^ "Mitchell scholars talk jobs at conference — State — Bangor Daily News — BDN Maine". Bangordailynews.com. 2010-03-02. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  49. ^ "About". Americanveteranscommittee.org. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  50. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20120207071100/http://www.mitchellinstitute.org/pdfs/Mitchell_2010AnnualReport.pdf. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 7, 2012. Retrieved February 26, 2014. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  51. ^ "Essay by Student, Soldier Alex Cornell du Houx '08 in Newsweek Ka, Campus News (Bowdoin)". Bowdoin.edu. 2008-08-18. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
  52. ^ Cornell, Alex (2008-08-22). "A Veteran on Campus". YouTube.com. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
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