Meet the Candidates - State Rep. District 67 Sue Austin and Bonnie Titcomb Lewis

SR District 67 Candidates

Both Sue Austin and Bonnie Titcomb-Lewis bring state legislative experience to the table in their race for the District 67 house seat serving most of Gray and portions of Raymond and Casco.

Sue Austin is 66 years old, married to Ernie for 44 years and has four children and 10 grandchildren. She holds an Associate Degree of Science and after her professional retirement has spent her time as a community advocate. She is passionate about her family and a lifelong communicant at St. Gregory’s Church in Gray. She is an avid walker, and in spite of her lifelong roots in Maine, she notes that she is continually fascinated to learn more about the state because of its unusual landscape and unique composition of small towns, plantations, unorganized territories and islands.

               

What inspired you to run for State Rep. District 67?

My commitment to family inspired my interest to serve on the Gray-New Gloucester School Board and Gray Town Council. After serving four terms in Augusta I realized that caring, engaged interest enwoven into focused attention in state policy made a difference for our district and Maine people.

What skill set do you bring to the table?

I listen, hear and process what people share. I am completely accountable to the commitments I make. I bring over thirty years of community involvement, civic leadership and elected/appointed experience.

If you had to choose one issue to champion for where your home district is concerned, what would it be and why?

There are educational issues that may rise to state consideration and assistance. They are the possibility of a town initiating withdrawal from a RSU, the present funding for Charter Schools and a town that has no student population but is uniquely held to be a member of a specific school district.

Where the potential withdrawal of a town from an RSU is concerned, Austin sees her role as a mediator or consultant to make sure that the process is transparent and goes as smoothly as possible for all parties. She also feels that there needs to be a different funding mechanism for charter schools,”It needs to be more equitable among school districts, perhaps a more defined voucher system, or an across the board assessment of all districts whether or not a charter school is located in that district.”

From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?

A balanced state budget is the foundation of state government and an invaluable tool to steer the ship of state. It forecasts the viability of expenditures and the probability that they can actually be paid for. Expenses matching revenue streams disciplines spending and supports a mantra of living within our taxpayers’ means!

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?

Augusta is what we bring to it, share and contribute. If legislators have an open, honest attitude of what can be facilitated, nourished and enriched for their district and this state, there is more open dialog and success. I experienced discussion and workability of bills/policy with both Caucuses in both chambers with respect and decency.

Why should the voters in State Rep. District 67 vote for you?

I am an approachable and highly interested/engaged person with people, issues of their concern, policy making and with the wellbeing of our entire state. I am of a conscientious mind and am accountable to myself and all those around me.

How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?

My email address is sueaustin@myottmail.com , my phone number is 207-657-4100 and my website is www.sueaustin.org

 Bonnie Titcomb Lewis is 67 years old, the mother of three and grandmother of four. She is a Bonnie Eagle alumnus and holds a bachelor of science in English and history education from USM. In addition to teaching high school and middle school, Lewis has held management positions with Jobs for Maine Graduates and the Senator Jt. Mitchell Scholarship Research Institute. Currently, she is a part-time development manager for Sexual Assault Services of Southern Maine.

What inspired you to run for State Rep. District 67?

Dedicated legislative service enables us to enrich opportunity for our districts and ensure sensible policy. In the Maine Senate, I was recognized as a fierce advocate, informed and prepared to speak for my constituents. I hope to do so again.

What skill set do you bring to the table?

I have already demonstrated in-depth understanding of complicated issues, success in the sponsorship of purposeful legislation, and strong leadership that results in positive outcomes for my constituents. I educate myself thoroughly, listen closely, make thoughtful decisions and cast informed votes.

If you had to choose one issue to champion for where your home district is concerned, what would it be and why?

Balancing state budgets by shifting costs onto municipal budgets is breaking the backs of property taxpayers and threatening local fiscal stability. Reducing revenue sharing and school funding, all the while mandating more, is a vicious cycle that must end.

From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?

Building and retaining a technically skilled workforce will grow our economy. We know that if Maine is to thrive, we must invest in education and training programs. If business is to invest in Maine, we must invest in their workforce.

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. During my past senate service, proactive bi-partisan cooperation and goodwill between legislators was a given. I will continue to lead on relevant issues but demonstrate respect for differences, maintain an open mind, and commit to meaningful solutions.

We asked Lewis about balancing the budget without penalizing schools and municipalities. “Firstly, legislators need to agree that balancing the budget without reducing funding to schools and municipalities is a priority,” she said, “we should look at the income tax policy and consider a tax reduction that is equal for all income levels, and then use the extra funds for schools and municipalities.”

As far as partisanship, “Each of us who goes to Augusta must go with the intention that we’re not going to be driven by or separated by partisan or personal ideology,” she noted. “The former bipartisan camaraderie I experienced in the senate was expected of those serving, and we need to bring that level of cooperation back.”

Why should the voters in State Rep. District 67 vote for you?

I will serve this district with distinction, informing myself thoroughly, advocating for public policy that is important to my constituents, and make the communities and citizens I represent proud of my leadership and service. I will make a positive difference.

How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?

I can be reached at bonnietlewis@yahoo.com and at 207-655-6078.