October 12, 2014

Meet the Candidates of State House District 66 - Mary-Vienessa Fernandes and Mike McClellan



State House District 66 Candidates

Two-term incumbent Mike McClellan in being challenged by Mary-Vienessa Fernandes for House District 66. The district serves the northwestern portions of Casco and Raymond.



Mary-Vienessa Fernandes is 61 years old, is the oldest of seven and has 22 nieces and nephews. She holds an associate degree in general studies and one in criminal justice from Housatonic Community College, a tutoring award in English for ESL students, and certificates in computer forensic science from the University of New Haven. Fernandes is a direct support professional in mental health, and for pleasure, enjoys reading, drawing, gardening, boating, traveling and sky diving.

What inspired you to run for State Rep. District 66? 
My decision to run for district 66 is for the same reason I ran for a seat on the Casco Select Board. I wanted to make a change for the better and I knew I could.

What skill set do you bring to the table?
My skill set consists of an array of community and educational experiences. I listen well, and do my best to take into account everyone’s viewpoints and diverse needs. I look forward to being a part of a mutually respective working and ethic environment.

If you had to choose one issue to champion for where your home district is concerned, what would it be and why?
Choosing one issue is difficult but it would have to be property tax relief.  I have seen firsthand the difficulty Mainers are experiencing such as foreclosures, increase in property taxes, abatements and unaffordable housing costs. Addressing the inefficiency of tax relief is a great start to stimulating our local economy and keeping people in their homes.

Fernandes feel that a comprehensive review of the budget to find inefficiencies is the first step toward restoring property tax relief and revenue sharing. Since she stated that she’s opposed to raising taxes for these efforts, we asked where she expected to find the money for property tax relief and revenue sharing.  Her response, “Cutting temporary assistance to adults without children!” Fernandes went on to explain that while living in Connecticut, a state that had eliminated assistance to childless adults, she fell on difficult financial times. She was forced to change the way she lived and realized that she needed to improve her situation on her own. Giving up her car for financial reasons, and working multiple minimum wage jobs didn’t stop her from attending college. Ultimately, she was able to find professional employment and get on her feet. She explained, “Out of necessity and desperation, I sacrificed to improve myself and my situation and am proud of what I accomplished. In government, we need to foster more personal responsibility.”

From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
I feel that the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing is increasing the level of bipartisan atmosphere.

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?
There are partisan politics in Augusta. I am dedicated to working hard and diligently with legislatures to find common ground in solving the most urgent issues we are facing.

Why should the voters in State Rep. District 66 vote for you? 
I am approachable and I care. I am willing to listen to the cares and needs of my constituents, address their concerns in Augusta and begin to work towards solutions that benefit those that I represent.

How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?
vienessafernandes@gmail.com, PO Box 73 Casco, Me 04015 or 207.776.2319.


Mike McClellan is 54 years old, is married to Michelle and has two adult children living out of state. He has a Bachelor’s of Professional Studies in Therapeutic Recreation and AAS in Recreation Leadership, and has some master’s work in organization and management. He is the executive director for the Maine Statewide Independent Living Council, and is currently serving as the representative for Maine House District 103. McClellan interests include his faith, his family, the community and running, hiking and reading.

What inspired you to run for State Rep. District 66?
I am the current Maine House 103 representative. There was a void in candidates in 2009 and after praying and talking with family and friends I decided to take this on. My wife thinks it is in my genes.

What skill set do you bring to the table?
Core values that include valuing local control and valuing all people. I am both a listener and hard worker. I have managed organizations and led many activities in family, work, community and church life.

If you had to choose one issue to champion for where your home district is concerned, what would it be and why?
Maine government budgeting as if it really believed it was your money. Stopping pet projects and simply budgeting for what the government should be doing. I live in Raymond and our local leadership leads that way.

From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
Tough call between education and our welfare system. I would say fully funding education and it would mean tearing the budget up and prioritizing. Funding education and then seeing what we could do after with what money was left.
To achieve the 55 percent education funding mandated by citizens initiative, McClellan plans to sponsor a bill that will better define just what qualifies as educational spending in order to better determine the funding that each district is entitled to.  As far as any available funds after education funding, he feels that DHHS for only the neediest and infrastructure like roads and bridges should be the next priority. In the interest of welfare reform, “I am not against drug testing when past drug use in indicated, and feel that we need to provide educational opportunities to help able bodied assistance recipients expand skill sets and find jobs.”

We also asked Rep. McClellan what, in his opinion government should be doing. “Protect us and take care of the neediest – disabled or elderly – those who really can’t take care of themselves,” he explained, “Entitlement programs are telling people ‘you can’t’, instead of ‘you can’!  My experience in Augusta makes me feel like we’re not really trying to solve problems, we’re just trying to control things.”

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?
In the past two years, yes very polarized. There was no give and take in the past two years. I would return us to the republican leadership of 2010-2012 where we included the other side in visioning the work.

Why should the voters in State Rep. District 66 vote for you?
My experience, my leadership skills, my hard work and my core values. I have participated in the life of Raymond, Casco and Poland. I am accessible to all. I serve on two of the larger committees (education and insurance).

How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?

The Windham Eagle was unable to reach Green Independent candidate Lisa Willey.

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