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.
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.
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.
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.
