October 24, 2014

Meet the candidates - State Rep. Dist. 25 - Jennie Butler and Patrick Corey




SR District 25



Jennie Butler is 54 years old and married with two adult sons. She’s a graduate of Morse High School in Bath and holds a BA in mathematics from the University of Maine and an MS in educational leadership from USM. In June, she retired after 30 years of teaching math; 27 of those years at Windham High School. Butler is a volunteer with Alpha Xi Delta, the Boy Scouts of America and Windham Athletic Boosters. She also is a volunteer assistant ski coach and ski team booster president. She enjoys photography, scrapbooking, reading, singing, tap dancing and skiing.

What inspired you to run for State Rep. District 25?
Although retired, I am still committed to serving my community and I consider Windham to be my home town after teaching here for 27 years. I keep in touch with many former students and coworkers who live in Windham and they encouraged me to run.

What skill set do you bring to the table?
I am organized, thorough and a good listener. I have talked with hundreds of people in Windham and I am dedicated to working with our other elected officials to bring people together and focus on results for our community.

If you had to choose one issue to champion for where your home district is concerned, what would it be and why?
Relief needs to be provided to the citizens of Windham by being fiscally responsible and making sure every dollar is spent for a good reason, not just because we have always done it a certain way. The state needs to live up to its financial commitments to the towns, as promised, rather than passing it off to local property tax payers.

From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
Education would be my first priority. I will bring my teaching experience and dedication to Augusta. I plan to be a voice for all Maine students from pre-K through college. Our students need a good and affordable education that prepares them to succeed in the future which is the key to a strong economy and a strong community. With a skilled workforce Maine can continue to increase the number of jobs and business opportunities.

Butler feels that there needs to be more concentration on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Science) and, not just 4-year degree programs, but the technical degrees that the community colleges do so well with. She explained, “As far as technology, I know that well paying jobs in the skilled trades are not promoted as well as they could be in our public schools; that needs to be addressed. I think students who express any kind of interest in hands on work should have the opportunity to explore those interests before they go off to a 4-year college where they may miss those opportunities. I feel that the low graduation rate for four year college students could be reduced if students were exposed to other paths that they may be better suited to.”

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, there is some. The Governor and the Legislature need to be able to talk to each other and listen to each other so they can create bipartisan legislation that is good for all of the people of Maine.

Why should the voters in State Rep. District 25 vote for you?
As your representative, I will work very hard to represent Windham. When I was a teacher, I demanded a lot of my students because I wanted them to be at their best. I will demand the same of myself. I've have been a part of this community for a long time, and I am devoted to helping us succeed. I will continue to build relationships and collaborate with people of all political parties to move Windham forward. 

How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?
Phone 893-1849 or jenniebutlerwindham@gmail.com


 Patrick Corey is 40 years old and married to Shelia, holds a BFA from the University of Southern Maine, and is a self-employed marketing professional. His hobbies and interest include working as a volunteer with the Windham Land Trust, Windham Historical Society and Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors. He also enjoys hunting, and spending time with his family and dogs.

What inspired you to run for State Rep. District 25?
Leading the successful effort to defeat the $67.8 million ballot question to put a sewer in North Windham, Corey enjoys working on behalf of Windham’s people. For that project the cost to Windham’s average household would have been $200 per year for unconnected residents.

What skill set do you bring to the table?
My job requires me to be look at problems from an all-encompassing perspective, arrive at workable solutions with others, be persuasive, be researched, be creative, and then make sure it all worked as expected. I’m committed to thoughtful, accountable service.

If you had to choose one issue to champion for where your home district is concerned, what would it be and why?
Windham is the second fastest growing town, presenting taxation, infrastructure, and quality of life challenges. Windham needs a legislator interested in these topics and who can advocate for Windham. I’ve recently been appointed to the Comprehensive Plan Review Team.

From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
Growing and supporting Maine’s middle-class. The only way to provide for oneself and family is with a job that pays the bills. Further, with suitable incomes Maine will be better equipped to sustain the safety net for our vulnerable residents.

According to Corey, the way to support the middle class is through job creation. He would start with the ‘low hanging fruit’, meaning the businesses already located in Maine. His opinion is that government should support those businesses by removing some of red tape and regulations that hinder them, including lowering the top corporate marginal tax rate. “That high corporate tax rate discourages new businesses from locating here, and hinders growth for existing Maine businesses. He suggested that, “By keeping Maine companies growing and successful, more jobs will be created, and people will have more disposable income to invest in their communities.”

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. The zero sum game. One side wins when the other side loses. I haven’t been knocking doors for months to not be effective. When I sit down at the table, I’m there to work with everyone, not play games.

Why should the voters in State Rep. District 25 vote for you?
I’ve shown voters through my volunteer work and advocacy that I’m here for them. My decisions will be well informed with desired and valued input from constituents. I will always put people’s needs before those of special interests.

How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?
Give me a call at 207-749-1336 or visit my website at www.coreyforhouse.com. It’s possible you missed me when I stopped by or you may have more questions. I will gladly visit if you’d like. 

Meet the Candidates - Sate Rep District 24 - Mark Bryant and Denis Welch



Mark Bryant is 58 years old and has been married for 37 years to Diane with three adult sons and three granddaughters. He’s a graduate of Glen Cove Christian Academy and holds an A.A.S. in computer science from Andover College. He is a customer service representative with L.L. Bean and enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering with Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and following New England sport teams.




What inspired you to run for State Rep. District 24?
I want to be a strong and effective voice supporting the needs of all Windham citizens. I believe we can work together to make Maine an even better place to live and prosper.

What skill set do you bring to the table?
After four engaging terms as a state representative and 29 years as an active resident in the Town of Windham, I have a proven record that I will listen to Windham’s concerns and then bring home positive results.

If you had to choose one issue to champion for where your home district is concerned, what would it be and why?
Quality Jobs! Too many of Windham residents are trying to support their families with wages that just aren’t high enough.

From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
Quality Jobs! In Windham and all over Maine, people are trying to support their families with low wages. Better paying jobs will not only help individual families but small businesses as well.
 Bryant would meet with small business owners, assess their needs and then work to provide education incentives to help build the skilled workforce needed to support the businesses. He explained that the education initiative would need to be a priority of the state and that increasing access to education should begin at early childhood and be funded through general fund. “An investment in education now would be a win-win for both businesses and workers. Businesses would benefit from an increased workforce while new jobs and increased wages would ultimately feed the local economy.”

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?
Growing up in my family of 12, there were only two Democrats. I learned at an early age how to work together with people of differing opinions and come up with solutions that we all could agree on. I will use my life experiences and listening skills to proceed as Windham’s state representative for district 24.

Why should the voters in State Rep. District 24 vote for you?
I will be a strong and effective voice supporting the needs of all Windham citizens. I believe we can work together to make Maine an even better place to live and prosper. I ask for your consideration and vote in the November 4th election.

How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day? 207-892-6591 or MarkBryantWindham@gmail.com.



Dennis Welch is 45 years old and the single father of an adult son. He is a graduate of Windham High School and the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, and has served as a Cumberland County Corrections Officer since 1989. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, kayaking and fishing.

What inspired you to run for State Rep District #24?
From my seat as a Windham Town Councilor, I've grown frustrated as many others have with our government's inability to function with the best interest of the people of Maine in mind. The partisan squabbling has become so pervasive that the State's business is rarely completed in a timely manner. I will take the same approachable, respectful, and sensible attitude I’ve displayed as a town councilor to Augusta

What skill set do you bring to the table?
I've served on the Windham Town Council since 2011. I started off as a council member and currently hold the position of Vice Chair. I have strong feelings about working for the taxpayers of Maine and will always work between party lines to get the job done.

If you had to choose one issue to champion for where your home district is concerned, what would it be and why?
Education: State law mandates 55 percent of all school funding be paid for by the state government and they are not keeping their commitment. I would work with other state legislators and the governor to find a way to fulfill this obligation

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 purpose of welfare is to help individuals get back on their feet. It was never designed to be a lifetime program, and I do not believe it is the government's job to take care of able bodied citizens forever. I would work across party lines within the legislature to achieve true welfare reform. This would include tackling problems with fraud, waste, and abuse. I would support limits as to how long an individual can receive benefits so the program is there for those who need it most, now, and into the future.

Regarding education funding, Welch said, “We need work with other legislators across party lines and the governor to find the funds. Once I’m elected I would hope to better understand the inner workings to determine where those funds might be found.” He feels that there needs to be better tracking of welfare abuse and that the pictures on the EBT cards and time limits on eligibility are a good start. “Again it’s all focused on working across party lines to see these reforms, he emphasized, “I am absolutely in favor of drug testing where past history suggests it’s appropriate.”
 
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 the election?
Yes! The people are crying out for leadership. They are fed up with the bickering they are forced to endure from politicians who champion partisan rhetoric at the expense of progress. I will tackle each issue with the goal of finding the best solution for the people of Maine. I will prove it's possible to find solutions to complex problems by working with the members of the legislature, regardless of party affiliation.

Why should the voters in State Rep District 24 vote for you?
We need new leadership, bottom line. I have talked with many residents that are fed up with nothing changing from up above. I will listen to the voters and will have a take charge attitude to get the job at hand done.

How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?
Contact me with any questions or concerns at 207-329-8064 or Welch351@yahoo.com.

New Gloucester Board of Selectman meeting, Gray Town council notes and other upcoming events - By Tracy Scheckel


New Gloucester Board of Selectmen
 
The Board heard a presentation from its Assessor’s Agent, Mike O’Donnell of John O’Donnell and Associates, regarding the potential for a property revaluation. He recommended that while things have been fairly stable, the board should consider planning for a revaluation in the next three to five years. Chair Libby reported that there is $157,000 currently in reserve for the next revaluation and asked what the cost would be. O’Donnell estimated conservatively that the cost would be approximately $85 per property and estimated about 3,200 properties including undeveloped land would be affected.

Fire Chief Gary Sacco provided an update about the town's medical transport services that began last November. He reported that call volume is what was originally projected, but due to an eight month lag time associated with getting the Medicaid and Medicare ID number, that billing is still catching up. In a conversation after the meeting, Town manager Paul First emphasized that the program is only in the first year, "Our call volume is high, but collections are not quite where we'd like to see them due in part to the Medicare/Medicaid lag and in part because we're still learning what percentage of services insurance will pay." Sacco stated at the meeting that he is estimating a 3-year timeframe before the program is fully up to speed.

Gray Town Council

With a rather light agenda, the Council approved a contract zone for Britton Lumber, issued a liquor license renewal for Mane Thai, and heard a presentation from the Mountain View Road Association. The association is hoping to exchange an unimproved portion of the town’s portion of the road for a paved portion of the private portion of the road. The council was amenable to the proposal and asked that the association provide the necessary surveys and public easements documents for consideration at a future meeting. The Council also approved a communication and social networking policy which is available for viewing at www.graymaine.org.

Absentee voting in both towns is in full swing. Anyone can absentees vote until Thursday Oct. 30, after that voters must sign an affidavit stating that they will not be available to vote on election day.

The Gray Recreation Department is hosting a Halloween Party at the Pennell Town Hall and Newbegin Complex Sunday, October 26 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The New Gloucester Veterans’ Monument Committee invites the public to a dedication ceremony at the monument site at 1029 Lewiston Road on November 2 at 1 p.m.



Steven nadeau earns Eagle Scout award



Steven Nadeau held his Eagle Court of Honor last weekend to celebrate reaching the pinnacle in the Boy Scouts. Nadeau is a member of troop 800 in Raymond. His Eagle project was building an outside, covered space that could be used for reading, story time or visiting at the Windham Public Library. 

Steven follows the path of his brother Michael Nadeau, who earned his Eagle award two years ago. 

Congratulations Steven, from The Windham Eagle!