Meet the candidates - State Rep. Dist. 25 - Jennie Butler and Patrick Corey

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.

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.

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.

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.