District 45 House Candidates
Dale Denno and Mike Timmons are vying for the District 45 House seat
that encompasses a small portion of south Gray.
Denno is 64 years old and recently retired. He is married to Diane and is the father of two grown sons and grandfather
to two girls. Denno holds a B.A. in
political science from Syracuse and a J.D from Cornell. He loves to cook and spend time with his granddaughters, is a
literacy volunteer, and a volunteer soup kitchen manager at Preble Street in
Portland. Although not taking cases now, he is a trained Court Appointed
Special Advocate for children in the court system.
What inspired you to run for
State Rep. District 45?
My driving passion in this campaign is to
play an active role in transforming Maine’s economy so that our kids and
grandkids will be able to stay in
Maine if they choose. It may be “The Way Life Should Be,” but you still need to be able to
pay the bills to live here.
What skill set do you bring to
the table?
I have been in leadership roles
throughout my working career, in the private sector,
in government and in the community. I have a combination of legal, business,
and public sector experience, and I
know how to make government more
efficient and responsive.
If you had to choose one
issue to champion for where your
home district is concerned, what would it be and why?
I believe that economic
development is the key to all other
opportunity in the district as well as in Maine. We need to find a way to
grow without destroying the environment and the things that make Maine special.
This is a tough challenge, but it’s
one I feel that I’m up to.
From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most
important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
In terms of urgency, the most
pressing issue is to accept federal
dollars for Medicaid expansion. Right now, we’re sending our tax dollars to subsidize health care for other states. In terms
of strategic issues, there is nothing more critical than finding the path toward prosperity and economic opportunity for our
citizens.
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, Augusta is polarized. As a
Democrat, I served until December as a Republican appointee in Augusta. I
worked easily and effectively with Republicans in the administration and with
legislators of both parties. I have
proven bi-partisan credentials.
Why should the voters in State Rep. District 45 vote for you?
I believe that I have a unique
combination of legal, business and government leadership experience. I also
have a high energy level and passion for getting results. I feel an obligation to future generations to
help build a stronger, healthier Maine.
How can citizens contact you prior to
Election Day?
I would be happy to hear from voters. My cell phone is 207-400-1123;
my email address is daledenno@gmail.com.
We asked two follow-up
questions of Mr. Denno. In order to
grow the economy while preserving the environment, Denno’s answer is education.
He explained that he hears from employers that there is a shortage of qualified
workers. He feels that in addition to
more science and math doctoral
programs at USM. There is also a need for more programs at the community
colleges that are tailored to the
needs of the Maine’s business owners. Denno also noted that investment in clean
energy will grow the economy by creating jobs and that the growing aquaculture
and agriculture fields need the support of a trained workforce. Ultimately, he
said, “Government can’t grow the economy, but can be a good partner to help and support the business community.”
In regard to funding a
Medicaid expansion once federal funding is reduced, he stated that an estimated
70,000 more people insured, 4,000 new jobs would be created generating $5
million in additional revenue would be
significant benefits of expansion. He also noted that Maine would still have
the option to accept federal expansion
dollars at 100 percent, and then reevaluate its participation when they decline
to 95 percent in 2017 (grading down to 90 percent in 2020). He emphasized that, “If at
any point the benefits do not outweigh the cost, Maine could stop participating. But that's not a reason not to accept the federal funding at 100 percent.”
What inspired you to run for
State Rep. District 45?
I have spent my life time in
public education, doing community service, and involved in agriculture at the
Cumberland Fair where he currently serves as president of the fair. He is also
a member of the Maine Harness Racing Commission and Maine Agricultural Fair
Association. I am confident the skills I have gained serving in leadership
roles would allow me to be a
positive leader in Augusta and my town.
What skill set do you bring to
the table?
Proven business and public
school leadership, community service, and the ability to
solve problems.
If you had to choose one
issue to champion for where your
home district is concerned, what would it be and why?
The community wants an
individual who will work hard for their interests, solve problems and keep them
informed when an issue is going to
impact the community. Welfare, taxes, and education come up frequently as I go
door to door.
From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most
important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
First they need to realize that it takes teamwork to solve problems. Communications and leadership are
essential. I am confident I can work with everyone to
that end. Power struggles cause other issues.
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 will be transparent, honest, and work very
hard to bring common sense to the table. I have been in politics all my life
just not in Augusta.
Timmons on welfare,
“The main issue is the fraud, if people are receiving benefits who shouldn’t,
or are using food stamps inappropriately, they are costing taxpayers money that
could go to people who really need
the help.” While he has no concrete plan to
fix it, he feels that there truly is a bipartisan solution that he would work toward. Regarding charter schools, Timmons feels
that there are benefits to certain
students, “…..but I’ve been in public school for 47 years, and know that system
works for most. To me, charter schools need to
demonstrate that math, science and English are taught as well as in the public
schools, and funding needs to be
addressed.”
Why should the voters in State Rep. District 45 vote for you?
For all the reasons stated
above. Proven leadership in business, public
education and community service settings.
How can citizens contact you prior to
Election Day?
207-653-9783
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