Gray resident announces run for Maine House District 67 by Lorraine Glowczak

Randy and Janis Visser with Anne Gass (center)

Anne Gass of Gray officially announced her run for the Maine House District 67 seat at her campaign launch party held at the Christopher Aaron Counseling Center, 26 Main Street in Gray on Wednesday, January 17.

District 67 includes most of Gray, parts of Raymond and Casco as well as Frye Island. Gass states that she is running as an Independent so she can work to find practical solutions to real life problems without the distraction of the political parties.

To a crowd of approximately 35 attendees, Gass spoke about her past experiences growing up in a strong community and its contribution to her decision to run. “When I was growing up we had a community barn where we each took care of our own horses – but we helped each other, too. I learned a lot from that time in my life. Mucking stalls taught me the Zen of hard work. And in the microculture of barn life I came to understand and value community. Since moving to Gray almost 29 years ago, I’ve worked to find and be part of that sort of community spirit.”

Gass also expressed several concerns she has regarding the issues Mainers face today that include the many innovative, hardworking individuals who own or work for small businesses. “As a small business owner of 24 years, I’m concerned about the economy – [and want to] create a climate in which Maine’s small businesses can thrive. Most of us in Maine work for small businesses. No one’s coming down the pike to solve our economic problems; we’ve got to do it ourselves.”

Gass noted that strong schools, broadband, and access to affordable health care coverage are three things small businesses need to thrive.

As an independent historian who has done extensive research into women’s fight for equal rights, Gass also mentioned her concern about current efforts to limit women’s access to birth control and reproductive health care. “We’re having the same fights now that we had 30 years ago, 50 years ago, and that’s scary.”

For more information about Gass or to contact her, she can be reached by phone at 207-657-4935 (office) or 207-650-4369 (cell.) One can also write Gass by email at agassmaine@gmail.com or by mail at 232 N. Raymond Road, Gray, ME  04039.

Look for our article in early fall that will highlight all individuals running for office who represent the Windham and Raymond communities.