Mark A. Howland

In 2002, he was elected to the Massachusetts House from the 12th Bristol District,[1] and in 2003 he did not seek re-election to the Freetown Board of Selectmen.

In June 2006, Howland officially announced his candidacy against Canessa, deciding to run as an independent rather than on the Democratic ticket.

On March 7, 2007, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley filed civil charges against Howland for alleged "unscrupulous" business practices in his venture as a wind turbine supplier.

He cited lack of regulation and the inadequacy of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative as partially responsible for creating the current media attention and legal issues.

Furthermore, the settlement permanently prohibited Howland from "operating a business involved in the sale and installation of alternate energy systems."