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.