September 26, 2014

Meet the Candidates - Dist 20 and dist. 65



New Gloucester, Know Your House District 65 Candidates

Between now and Election Day on November 4, The Eagle will be publishing  profiles for Maine Senate and House candidates from Raymond, Windham, Gray and New Gloucester. Each of the candidates has received the same questionnaire with a 40 word maximum average per answer and was invited to participate in a follow-up interview. New Gloucester candidates Representative Ellie Espling and Rosa Van Wie (House District 65), and Eric Brakey and Senator John Cleveland (Senate District 20) will be featured this week.



Incumbent Ellie Espling is 41 years old, married with four children. She is a graduate of Cape Elizabeth High School and has an associate’s degree in business administration from USM. She is a sales and marketing associate for The Print House in Windham whose hobbies include attending her children’s’ events and activities, reading and when she has time, running.

What inspired you to run for State Rep. District 65? 

I want to continue to be a voice for my friends and neighbors in Augusta by bringing their ideas into the legislative process.

What skill set do you bring to the table? 

I bring my extensive community service experience as well as my two terms of legislative experience. Most importantly, I am a good listener.

If you had to choose one issue to champion for where your home district is concerned, what would it be and why?
A very specific issue to the district possibly impacting the local economy of New Gloucester and Poland is the future removal of the Shaker Village turnpike signs. I will continue to support Shaker Village and the local economy by submitting legislation to amend the new sign policy passed during the last legislative session. 

From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
Welfare Reform is what I hear about the most from constituents. Most folks support a safety net for the most needy and they want to be sure that the system is working efficiently.

Many polls indicate that voters are fed up with partisan politics. Do you feel that there is a partisan polarization in Augusta?  If yes, how will you proceed should you win election?
Out of the over a thousand bills that we deal with in any given session, most of them are dealt with in a very bipartisan manner and you don’t hear about that in the media. Controversy and disagreement is what sells papers so that is what the public hears about and remembers. Parties, like individuals, don’t always agree and good civil discourse is key to trying to work together as much as possible. I have a record of working with both parties to get bills passed.

In a follow-up conversation, we asked Espling to define ‘most needy’ and to suggest some initiatives that  have a decent chance of bipartisan success to insure that only the ‘most needy’ are receiving assistance.

She responded, “I see children, the elderly and the disabled; those who absolutely can’t provide for themselves as the citizens most needy of assistance.” She offered two suggestions to address some of the issues; “First off, reimbursement rates for homecare to the elderly need to be increased in the hope that that population could stay in their homes. This would allow home care agencies to improve and increase services. Additionally, we need a tiered payment system for public assistance with a training and employment assistance component in order to gradually wean people off the system.” She feels that the system needs to provide incentive for recipients to improve their situation rather than penalize them for making more money.

Why should the voters in State Rep. District 65 vote for you? 
I am the most experienced candidate who understands the district and listens to the people.
How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day? 

Anyone can email, call, or Facebook message me. My email address is espling2@securespeed.us. My cell is 891-8280 and you can like my Facebook page under “Ellie Espling”.




Challenger Rosa Van Wie is 24 years old, and the daughter of David Van Wie and Cheryl Bascomb and has one brother Garrett. She holds a B.A. in English from Dartmouth College and is working as a camp counselor and substitute teacher. Her hobbies include slam poetry, ice hockey, politics, civic engagement, singing and teaching.

What inspired you to run for State Rep. District 65?
I wanted to provide my students with real resources to reach their fullest potential, both for themselves and everyone in our community.

What skill set do you bring to the table?
A dedication to research, reason, education and compassion. The belief that hard work pays off and helping hands makes the world go round; articulate arguments and the impassioned energy of youth.

If you had to choose one issue to champion for where your home district is concerned, what would it be and why?
More public funding for education. Like many other school districts, our elementary schools are understaffed on education technicians and we rely too heavily on bonds for improvements.

From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
Economic development. Raising the minimum wage would put desperately needed dollars into the pockets of students and young adults, allow them to pay their bills in full, and attain purchasing power that would benefit small businesses. 

Many polls indicate that voters are fed up with partisan politics. Do you feel that there is a partisan polarization in Augusta?  If yes, how will you proceed should you win election?
Yes, I do. If elected, I would tell it like it is and debate what we need to do (and then act on it!) without buying in to institutionalized games. Working with everyone should be the expectation we set for society, and our government should reflect that.

Our follow-up questions focused on education funding and minimum wage. Van Wie proposed two ways that education funding could be increased; she feels that creating jobs in the clean energy field will provide an increase in both corporate and personal income tax which could be used to fund education, and she also suggests, ‘Taking a page from Colorado’s book’ and legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes. She explained, “The taxes generated from the sale of marijuana could be used for drug awareness education as well as general education funding.”

Regarding a minimum wage increase, Van Wie cited studies by various economists that say the increase would allow people to pay their bills and have extra income to support the local economy. She explained, “Small business owners who otherwise might have difficulty paying the minimum wage increase would ultimately benefit from the people with more disposable income who would patronize those businesses goods and services.”  She proposes an immediate increase to $10.10 per hour and a second increase within five years bringing the hourly wage up to $12.50 per hour. She said, “A tiered minimum wage increase like this will give businesses the chance to gradually work up to providing a living wage.”

Why should the voters in State Rep. District 65 vote for you? 
Because I’m New Gloucester, born and raised, and I want to be able to stay in my state. I have a deeply vested interest in making Maine the best place possible for families and for the future.

How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?
Email me at rosa4rep105@gmail.com.




New Gloucester Senate District 20 Candidates

Eric Brakey is 26 and single. He holds a BFA in Theater, works in financial records for Brakey Energy and performs in theater. His hobbies include acting with the Lewiston/Auburn Community Little Theatre and volunteering with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Androscoggin County



What inspired you to run for Senate District 20?
I am concerned about the lack of job opportunity and the growing government debt that is being placed on the shoulders of my generation. These problems have been created over decades by the failed policies of career politicians. I believe it is time to bring some new ideas to the table and turn these problems around.

What skill set do you bring to the table?
Working in financial records, I have the unique skills to work through the budget—line by line—to find and eliminate wasteful spending. I have knocked on the doors of more than 5,000 families in our community, listening to and understanding their concerns about where Maine state government is going. You cannot represent people without knowing who they are and what they are concerned about. I will always put the people of our community above Augusta party politics.

If you had to choose one issue to champion for where your home district is concerned, what would it be and why?
Education. I believe in a localized approach to education, empowering local parents, teachers and municipalities to determine their own education policies. 

From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
Welfare Reform.  The longer we allow welfare abuse to continue unchecked, draining the limited resources we have available in these programs; we are doing a disservice to Maine taxpayers and to those with legitimate needs for assistance. I will work to enact several reforms, including residency requirements.  

Many polls indicate that voters are fed up with partisan politics. Do you feel that there is a partisan polarization in Augusta? If yes, how will you proceed should you win election? 
John F. Kennedy once said, “Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer.” I believe this attitude has been lost in Augusta, and it is time we bring it back.

Regarding education, “Many of the teachers I speak with raise concerns about the increasing micromanagement of their profession brought about by top-down, one-size-fits all education solutions like Common Core and No Child Left Behind.  These changes have hurt teachers’ abilities to work with students based on their own individual learning needs. We must reverse this trend. I will work to repeal top-down, unfunded mandates and restore local control in education.”

And referring to partisan polarization, Brakey emphasized, “Having a truly independent attitude is not just voting with the other party on easy issues, but being willing to defy party leadership pressure when you know that’s the right thing to do for the good of all the people you represent.”
Why should the voters in Senate District 20 vote for you? 
I am running because I care about the future of my state and more importantly, my community. If voters in Senate District 20 are ready to move past the career politicians, and if they want real solutions to reform our broken welfare system and restore local control in education, then I am the candidate that will deliver results.

How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?
I can be reached by e-mail at eric@brakeyforsenate.com or by phone at 207-406-0897.




Senator John J Cleveland is 64 years old, married with two adult sons. He’s a graduate of Edward G. Little High School and USM with a BA in Biology. He is the 25-year owner of an economic and community development consulting firm, and his hobbies include  reading, hiking sports and family activities.
           
What inspired you to run for Senate District 20?
To help improve the lives of the people of the Senate District by providing greater opportunities for quality education from pre-K through post-secondary education, increasing job opportunities, and providing greater access to health care for individuals and their families.

What skill set do you bring to the table?
18 years combined state and municipal public service experience; 25 years business experience;
leadership skills; integrity and courage; knowledge of the legislative process; bipartisanship; lifelong knowledge of the senate district. 

If you had to choose one issue to champion for where your home district is concerned, what would it be and why?
Increasing the number of quality job opportunities for the people of the senate district. Good jobs are the single most important factor in providing individuals and families with the opportunity for a middle class income to support their families and to build a strong and vibrant local economy. 

From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
There are several; among the most important issues is the cost of energy. The State of Maine can and must provide access to less expensive alternatives to heat our homes and businesses, lower electricity bills, and transportation costs. 

Many polls indicate that voters are fed up with partisan politics. Do you feel that there is a partisan polarization in Augusta?  If yes, how will you proceed should you win election?
Yes to some degree but not anywhere as much as at the federal level. I will continue to do as I have always done, work in a bipartisan way with all legislators, and the Governor, support good ideas regardless of party, be respectful and support reasonable common sense compromises that are in the best interest of the people of Maine.

Given Senator Cleveland’s profession, we asked him to comment on economic development for New Gloucester.  “I think the upper village development plan is headed in the right direction and that the folks in New Gloucester are making good decisions for the local economy and the community,” he commented. He also feels that there should be targeted assistance such as start-up capital for new business, but that the criteria for assistance should be more flexible and tailored to the specific needs of the individual business. Additionally, he feels that there should be a focus on retaining the small businesses already doing business in Maine by insuring that the have the resources necessary to grow and prosper.

We asked the senator to cite an example of his bipartisan work in Augusta and he was quick to share the Omnibus Energy Bill to our attention.  According to Cleveland the bill, which he sponsored and helped to craft, was a broad reaching piece of legislation with many facets. “Overall, the bill is designed to lower energy costs through many different mechanisms,” he explained, “one aspect increases the supply of natural gas to the state which will bring down the price to consumers as well as reduce electric generation costs.” He also noted that Efficiency Maine, at no cost to rate payers, received millions of dollars to assist homeowners and businesses with winterization and other energy saving projects.  Cleveland reported that the bill enjoyed unanimous support in the senate and an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the house.

Why should the voters in Senate District 20 vote for you? 
I bring extensive experience both at the local and state level of government, years of business and leadership experience, I work in a bipartisan way, I was born and raised locally, my commitment to work in the best interest of the people of the Senate District, and my knowledge and understanding of the critical issues that face the people of Maine.
           
How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?
Telephone (c) 777-1375; email; jcleveland@cdcorp.org

Gray debates Stimson hall, New Gloucester considers school proposals - By Tracy Scheckel


Gray Town Council
 
The Gray Town Council, at its Sep. 16 meeting authorized two questions to appear on the Nov. 4 ballot. The first question is for the voters to approve a Charter Amendment that clarifies how and in what account the town crisis fund is maintained.

The second question asks the public to weigh in on the future of Stimson Hall by asking if the citizens want to retain the building and expend up to $500,000 to repair it, or if they are in favor of disposing of the building by sale, which could lead to its demolition should the buyer make that decision.

The Council conducted a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Sep.23 to review and act upon approving and signing the MSAD 15 bond referendum warrant for the November 4 ballot. Although the vote was unanimous to place the question on the ballot, there was concern among Councilors Gellerson, Mancini, and Gallagher about the amount of the referendum and the tax impact.  Chair Sturgis emphasized that everyone should attend the forums and get the information to allow them to make an educated decision at the polls in November.

Stimson Hall

Community Activist, Don Hutchings will be conducting an informational panel discussion to provide the public with relevant information about Stimson Hall on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Gray Town Hall. The discussion will be moderated by Donnie Carroll and, so far, will include Gray Historical President Don Whitney along with Hutchings.  GCTV 2 will air the discussion live and record it for periodic rebroadcasts until the November election.

New Gloucester Board of Selectmen

The New Gloucester BOS cancelled it regularly scheduled Oct. 6 meeting to hold a special meeting on Sep. 22 to address the MSAD 15 warrant for the November ballot as well as the agenda items scheduled for the Oct. 6 meeting.

Amid requests from the public not to sign the warrant for the MSAD 15 bond referendum, the BOS, after considerable debate including the legal opinion of both the New Gloucester and Gray attorneys that the municipal bodies had an administrative duty to approve the warrant voted  3–2 with Nat Berry and Steve Libby opposed to sign the warrant. Throughout the discussion, it appeared that the BOS consensus was that the school board should have separated the questions further, and that it felt forced into approving the warrant. 

Regarding the town’s repaving projects for the year, Town Manager Paul First and public works director Ted Shane reported that although the Bald Hill portion of the project is complete, due to a higher than estimated cost of material, the Chandler Mill Road portion of the repaving project would be approximately $14,000 over budget. After careful consideration, the staff recommendation was to provide a thicker shim (base coat) for Chandler Mill now, and to go back to the voters at next Town Meeting to get approval for the additional funds needed to complete the work. The board voted unanimously in support of that recommendation. The BOS also unanimously approved the use of up to $25,000 in Pineland TIF funds to repair the portion of Morse Road at the entrances to the Pineland Campus and Dunn School.
                       

GNG - MSAD 15 bond referendum update - By Tracy Scheckel


The MSAD 15 School Board met on Sept. 17 and after much discussion, decided to split the $738,000 cost of an artificial turf field into a separate question. On Nov.4, voters in Gray and New Gloucester will be asked to weigh in on a referendum to bond “$ 6,623,080 for school construction, renovations, and improvements at existing District schools, including (i) a classroom addition to Gray-New Gloucester Middle School; and (ii) renovations and improvements to Gray-New Gloucester High School and to Gray-New Gloucester Middle School, including the school buildings, facilities, and athletic fields”. The second question will ask for the additional funds to upgrade the competition field to artificial turf if the first question passes.
 
On Sep. 23, Superintendent Beasley shared the projected cost to taxpayers for the bond if the referendum is approved. The figures he presented estimate an interest rate of three percent for a 20-year term, are based on the current municipal valuations from the State, and have been calculated for a home valued at $200,000. Beasley explained that the district is hoping to employ bond anticipation notes and time the project so that the first payments will fall in the second half of the 2017/2018 school year. In that first year, assuming both the facilities and artificial turf questions pass, the cost to New Gloucester and Gray residents respectively will be $28.31 and $25.52. 2018/2019 will see the first full year assessment and will cost New Gloucester and Gray homeowners$61.91 and $55.81 respectively. The Superintendant emphasized the fact that these numbers reflect net cost to the citizens because current debt service will be gradually reducing, and that the 2018/2019 fiscal year reflects the highest net cost and will continue to reduce as the two existing bonds are paid down and retired in fiscal years 2017/2018 and 2027/2028. As a point of reference, in the highest year, 2018/2019, the actual annual cost per household (not reflecting the existing debt reduction) in New Gloucester and Gray would be $105.99 and $95.55 respectively.

Beasley emphasized the importance of citizens learning all the facts regarding the questions, and noted, “I don’t want to tell people how to vote, I just want them to go to the polls with all the accurate information and make their voting decision based on those facts.”  

In an effort to provide those facts, the district is conducting three public forums at which consultants Sevee and Mahar Engineers and Steven Blatt Architects will be present to provide information and answer questions. The forums which are all scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. will be held on Oct. 6 at the Memorial School Gymnasium; Oct. 14 at the  High School Library; and Oct. 23 at the Middle School Gymnasium.  Mark Curran from New England Turf is confirmed at the Oct. 14 and the Oct. 23 forums. The MSAD 15 website also has all the information posted at www.msad15.org.