Jessica Fay. Democrat. re-election.
Representative Jessica Fay is serving her first term in the Maine House of Representatives. Jess serves on the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. She is a member of the Maine Legislature’s bipartisan Caucus on Aging, a graduate of the State Legislative Leaders Foundation Emerging Leaders Program, and a member of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators.
She owns her own business, Maine Lakes Wedding and Event Florist, and is a member of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. She is a Raymond Village Library volunteer and founding member of the Raymond Age-Friendly Community initiative.
Jess is married to husband Kevin and lives with dogs Murphy, Lowell, and Ellis.
Why are you qualified to represent the citizens in Augusta and what inspired you to run?
My family has a multi-generational history of public service: military, elected, civil service, and volunteer. Continuing that tradition of service in my first term has been a privilege.
I’m inspired to run for re-election by the people I’ve met and the needs of the district. By being available to constituents, I’ve identified and begun to address some of these issues, either by connecting people to resources, identifying gaps, or crafting legislation to address a specific need. Each piece of legislation that I was able to sponsor and have passed into law during my first term was based on local comments, issues, or concerns. I hope to continue this work on behalf of my constituents in the next Legislature.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing your district? What can you do to help overcome that issue?
Voters have shared with me personal stories about a range of issues: affordable healthcare, the opioid epidemic, property taxes, workforce availability, and aging in place. I also hear about education, impacts of climate change, and quality of life concerns. People have a diverse set of experiences which means the issues that are most important to them can be very different.
Addressing these issues is a process. Raising awareness at the state level, connecting a resident to resources to help solve a problem or finding a legislative solution are all parts of that process. As a state representative, I’ve been able to develop laws that can help address a specific issue and improve people’s lives. Advocating for and building coalitions to address the issues that folks are most concerned about is an effective way to address them at the state level.
Windham and Raymond are made up of many small businesses. How will you help small businesses be successful in the area?
Supporting small and Maine based business has been a priority for me. Because I am a business owner myself, I recognize that many folks in business don’t have the time to spend advocating on behalf of their businesses. The state can provide the framework for successful business, provide technical assistance and help with the infrastructure that businesses need to be successful.
One of the first things I did after being elected state representative was to convene a meeting with Legislators from the Lakes Region and the local Chamber of Commerce. The goal was to better understand the issues that businesses in our area were facing. Out of this meeting came several opportunities for business owners to share their concerns with us. I hope to continue this communication and collaboration.
In the same way that issues facing individuals and families are unique to each, businesses also have diverse concerns. However, most of the concerns I hear revolve around workforce. Whether it’s a need for a specific skill set, better training, or availability of workers, workforce issues are a concern for businesses statewide. This is an opportunity to think deeply about what Maine’s economy might look like in the future and how we can educate and retain a workforce that is trained to meet those needs, not just now, but 10 and 20 years from now.
What are some suggestions you have that might inspire Windham and Raymond graduates to stay (or return after college graduation) and make Windham and Raymond their home.
Visitors often remark how beautiful it is here, whether they are from other parts of Maine or from away. I like to remind them that we are close to service centers, employment, we have good schools, and a wonderful sense of community.
We have an excellent quality of life and access to the outdoors. These are all great reasons to stay in Maine, and specifically in Raymond, Casco and Poland.
Affordable housing, availability of true high-speed internet and cost of loan repayment can be barriers for younger people who would otherwise like to live here.
As a state, we can offer better student loan incentives for those who commit to staying in Maine after graduation from either technical education or college. Other states have made this investment and Maine can, too.
As a region we can invest in broadband infrastructure that younger people not only need to do the jobs of the future but have come to expect as a basic requirement for moving to a community.
As the cost of living in southern Maine increases, the Lakes Region can become an option for those who want to stay near Portland, Westbrook or Lewiston and Auburn. We have good schools and if young families can afford to live here and older people can afford to stay here, our communities can remain vibrant.
From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
Like the issues facing our local community, there isn’t one single issue facing the state, but many interrelated issues that are important in different ways.
If we say the opioid crisis is the most important issue then we must also address healthcare, child welfare, education and workforce issues. If we say the environment and climate change are the most important then we need to address long term planning, public health and infrastructure. If we say our aging population is the most important, then we must address infrastructure, healthcare, workforce and property taxes.
The next legislature, working with a new governor, will need to address each of these issues. How the two branches work together will directly impact the quality of the work that is accomplished. A return to respect for dissenting opinion and a willingness to collaborate to move an issue to resolution using compromise will be essential to finding solutions to the very serious and real problems that we face as a state. I will continue to be committed to civility and coalition building so that we can more effectively address Maine’s challenges.
Why should voters cast their ballots for you? What are your three biggest issues?
It has been a privilege serving the people of Raymond, Poland, and Casco as your State Representative. In my first term I was able to work across the aisle to pass legislation with bipartisan support. I held office hours, attended public meetings, and am accessible and available to constituents. When making decisions on specific bills I listened to public testimony, read policy analysis, and checked in with stakeholders to better understand how they might be affected. I will continue this work in the next Legislature.
People who live in our district have very diverse views and opinions and are sometimes very divided. By working to understand these views, by listening respectfully when anyone weighs in on an issue, I am better able to understand those issues. I have learned a great deal from each person who shared their story with me and I carry those stories with me when I think about how policy impacts our region.
If re-elected, I plan on continuing to work on the issues that impact all of us. I am working on bills to assist older people, to protect our environment, and improve quality of life. The ideas for these bills come directly from people who live in House District 66 and the Lakes Region.
I will continue to work hard on behalf of the people here in Raymond, Poland and Casco, I would be honored to have your vote.
How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?
207-415-4218
Facebook: State Representative Jessica Fay, @fay4ME
Gregory E. Foster. Republican
Born in Bangor in 1956, I moved to Gray in 1961 with my parents, where I attended Gray-New Gloucester schools. I followed my dad’s footsteps by studying Forestry at UMO. Beginning in 1986, I built my home in Raymond and became a member of the Conservation Commission, then the Ordinance Review Committee and the most recent Comprehensive Plan Committee. I am currently Vice Chairman of the Raymond Planning Board.
Why are you qualified to represent the citizens in Augusta and what inspired you to run?
Since 1980, I have been a practicing licensed forester, first employed by the Maine Forest Service and the Bureau of Public Lands. For approximately 18 months, Augusta’s Harlow building was my office, where I conducted administrative type functions for the Bureau of Public Lands. I learned quite well my way around our state capital and the function of other departments.
Over my career as a forester, I have been active in following, testifying, and assisting in creating legislation effecting the forest community of Maine. Even though I am not currently a legislator, I know many of the players that make things happen in the State House, a result of my career experience and the fact that my dad served three terms as a Representative.
At various levels in the local Republican Party, I have been active for all my adult life. I have always followed the progress of elections and current political issues from local to national. Several highly respected Republicans in my district asked me to run, as did others.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing your district? What can you do to help overcome that issue?
Nationwide, Maine remains near the bottom of the list in average annual income. This position is one reason why our children leave the state and do not come back, causing Maine to be one of the highest average age states.
Reducing the cost of Maine government and giving people their money back is the most effective solution. These types of policies over the last eight years have begun turning this situation around, and I support its continuation.
Windham and Raymond are made up of many small businesses. How will you help small businesses be successful in the area?
Relaxing burdens and costs imposed by state government are significant, and I will support legislation which accomplishes that. A government burden example is dictating minimum wage and I would support any effort to relax those mandates. Arbitrary minimum wage causes businesses not to hire young or in-experienced people, hurting both.
What are some suggestions you have that might inspire Windham and Raymond graduates to stay (or return after college graduation) and make Windham and Raymond their home?
There is no better quality of life than living in Maine, especially in the Raymond/Windham area. Career opportunities are many, as are recreational opportunities from the Atlantic Ocean to the mountains with forests and lakes scattered throughout.
I believe better times are ahead because I think we are going to elect a Republican governor and a legislature that continues moving the state forward. Thanks to Republican leadership, the last eight years have resulted in reduced unemployment to approximately 3%, the Rainy-Day fund is at $170 million or so instead of zero, and the budget has a surplus. Additionally, state spending has increased over the same period, proving yet again that giving people their money back lifts the economy and fills state coffers. I am with other conservative leaders who would like to see our income tax eliminated.
From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
Creating an economic environment where people have a higher retained income. Maine needs a better business climate to attract and retain businesses. Lower business costs will result in their ability to pay higher wages.
Why should voters cast their ballots for you? What are your three biggest issues?
With my parents, I have owned and operated my own business for 26 years, generating all my own work. Practical work experience such as this makes me the best candidate to create a better business climate for Maine. The three biggest issues are:
1) Government over-reach
2) High cost of Government
3) High cost of living
How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?
Cell Phone- (207) 272-4270
Email- timbergf@aol.com
Facebook- Greg Foster for Maine House District 66
Susan M.W. Austin. Republican. Re-election.
Survey was not available at time of publication. If you wish to reach out to Rep. Austin, she can be reached at the following contact information:
Home Telephone: (207) 657-4100
E-Mail: Sue.Austin@legislature.maine.gov
Legislative Web Site: https://mehousegop.org/reps-a-f/sue-austin/
State House Message Phone: (800) 423-2900
Anne Gass. Independent.
I've been married to Rick Leavitt for 30 years and we have two children: Silas (28) and Emma (26). Over the last 30 years I've invested over 1,000 hours in Gray as a volunteer, most recently as founder and chair of the Bike-Ped Committee, member of the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition and the League of Women Voters.
Why are you qualified to represent the citizens in Augusta and what inspired you to run?
As a 30-year resident of Gray I’ve invested over 1,000 hours volunteering on the school board, other town committees, doing land conservation, and bike/pedestrian safety planning. I’m also a small business owner. I have a passion for serving my community and want to put my skills and experience to work for District 67.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing your district? What can you do to help overcome that issue?
Families are struggling with health care costs that are rising more quickly than their incomes. This makes it hard for Maine to hold on to- or attract- young families. I think we need to start with expanding Medicaid as the people of Maine have said they wanted and look for other ways to provide at least basic health care services to everyone.
Windham and Raymond are made up of many small businesses. How will you help small businesses be successful in the area?
Honestly, I think my answer is the same the above question. Why do we burden our small business owners with being the gatekeepers for health insurance? It makes no sense, especially as fewer and fewer businesses can afford to offer it to their employers. Providing access to basic health care would make it easier for people to start and maintain their businesses.
What are some suggestion you have that might inspire Windham and Raymond graduates to stay (or return after college graduation) and make Windham and Raymond their home?
Beyond health care, another concern I hear frequently is the high cost of post-secondary education, and student loan debt. College debt in the $40- $100K range is crushing for a young person starting out. Some sort of help with debt relief in exchange for working and living in town might help. Building affordable housing for 20-somethings that is walkable or bikeable to work, shopping and other amenities is another strategy.
From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
In essence, we’re exporting one of our most valuable natural resources, our young people. These are our future workers and innovators. To keep them, we need to offer affordable health care, housing that’s more walkable/bikeable to work and amenities, help with post-secondary education and training that doesn’t saddle them with crushing debt. Maine’s future depends on getting this right.
Why should voters cast their ballots for you? What are your three biggest issues?
I’m a fiscally responsible, common sense independent who cares more about people and communities than parties and political power. I’m an experienced, effective problem solver who can help make things happen in Augusta. Health care, student loan debt, and protecting Maine’s environment- including addressing climate change seriously- are three big issues for me.
How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?
Anne B. Gass
232 N. Raymond Road
Gray, ME 04039
(o) 207/657-4935
(c) 207/650-4369
agassmaine@gmail.com
Facebook: @AnneGass - District67
Web: www.annegassfordist67.com
Mark Bryant. Democrat. Re-election.
I am the current State Representative for Windham House District 24.
I have lived on the Albion Road in Windham with my wife, Diane, for over 30 years. We have raised three sons and currently are blessed with four grandchildren, all of whom live locally.
I am a co-founder of Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors and a member of the Windham Historical Society. I have coached Windham youth sports, moderated the town meeting, chaired the Windham Human Services Committee and held many volunteer roles in the community.
Why are you qualified to represent the citizens in Augusta and what inspired you to run?
I am qualified to represent the citizens of Windham in Augusta as I have learned so much while working in the legislature. I listen to my constituents and bring forward their concerns. I can work with all parties in a respectful manner. I was inspired to run to continue the work of the people.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing your district? What can you do to help overcome that issue?
I feel the most important issue facing our district is substance use disorder and overdose deaths. This crisis affects not only families but our community as a whole. It saddens me to see young people’s lives being cut short so soon.
I believe more education for our youth is needed to prevent drug use. We need access to more treatment centers in Maine and to provide law enforcement with the tools needed to combat the crisis.
Windham and Raymond are made up of many small businesses. How will you help small businesses be successful in the area?
The success of small businesses is vital to the Windham area. I encourage all to shop and dine at our local businesses. I will help them by bringing their concerns forward to make sure they are heard and acted on.
What are some suggestion you have that might inspire Windham and Raymond graduates to stay (or return after college graduation) and make Windham and Raymond their home?
I am proud that our three adult sons have chosen to make this area their home to live and work. It is a great place to raise a family. I believe promoting the quality of life and the natural resources in our area are a huge inspiration to stay in the community.
From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
I believe the most important single issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing is affordable quality health care. Maine has an aging population with many chronic conditions to manage. It is important to take care of the people’s health in a cost effective way.
Why should voters cast their ballots for you? What are your three biggest issues?
I have a proven record of listening and acting on the concerns to help the people of the Windham area. I am able to have civil discourse with all members of the state legislature and treat others with respect.
My three biggest issues are affordable quality health care, education and living wage jobs.
How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?
The best way for a citizens to contact me is in the manner that is most comfortable for them, especially for those reaching out to me for the first time. I am available by many forms of communication: Email markbryantwindham@gmail.com, Home Phone (207)892-6591, U.S Post Office (166 Albion Road), and face to face.
Thomas Tyler. Republican. Windham. District 24. Maine House of Representatives
I am a lifelong resident of Windham and have been active in community service for over 50 years. My wife, Sandy and I celebrated 50 years of marriage in August this year. We have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Currently I am the Vice Chairperson of the Cross Insurance Arena Board of Trustees. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine and the Board of Visitation for the Cumberland County Jail. In the past I was a member of the Windham Fire Department for over 20 years having served many of those years as Deputy Chief.
Why are you qualified to represent the citizens in Augusta and what inspired you to run?
I have served in both the 117th and the 126th Maine legislatures. I have the background in both business and the political worlds to make a difference in Augusta. My inspiration comes from the fact that my opponent has consistently voted to push Maine politics further and further to the left. We need people in the legislature that can work to get representatives and senators back to middle ground to get things done for the people of Maine, not stalemates like we have seen.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing your district? What can you do to help overcome that issue?
Without question the big issue is jobs that pay well enough for young workers to want to stay here to live. Job training and high-quality affordable education is highly necessary. With my background in the business arena, I feel we can achieve goals for tuition reimbursement programs.
Windham and Raymond are made up of many small businesses. How will you help small businesses be successful in the area?
Having worked in local businesses and being a small business owner, tax burdens and regulations for small business are way over the top. We need to work to lessen the tax weight and streamline the regulation process so businesses can invest and grow. Bring in more large companies like WEX and Idexx. Big companies need a lot of support from small business to support them and their workers.
What are some suggestion you have that might inspire Windham and Raymond graduates to stay (or return after college graduation) and make Windham and Raymond their home?
We live in one of the safest states in the nation. By working with our graduates to lessen the burden of college expenses, create job training programs that are affordable while seeking to bring new companies to Maine, we can offer young people opportunities to stay.
From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
Bring and grow business to Maine. By doing this state income grows, personal income grows all leading to be able to support our elderly population, our veterans and our most needy. We need to stop trying to tax the “hell” out of our workers and businesses. People and business that have more money in their pockets will spend more, sales tax income will rise and problems get solved. Any businessman will tell you cash flow is where it at.
Why should voters cast their ballots for you? What are your three biggest issues?
Well-paying jobs thru business growth
Care for our elder population and veterans.
Affordable education to allow our youth to stay and grow our great state.
How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?
My Cell is 207-831-8533
E-mail tom.hba@roadrunner.com
I was born in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in Bath, Maine. I earned a BA in Mathematics from the University of Maine and a MS in Education from USM. I taught math at the high school level for 31 years and part-time at USM for 3 years. Brian Butler and I have been married for 34 years and have two adult sons.
I was a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics for many years. I am currently a member of the Maine Education Association/National Education Association and have been since 1983 when I first started teaching.
Volunteering over the years: St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, Windham Recreation Department Advisory Board, Downeast Ski Club, Schooner Harvey Gamage, Maine State Music Theater Usher, Windham Ski Teams – founder and volunteer assistant coach, Windham Athletic Boosters, Boy Scouts – den leader, committee chair, merit badge counselor.
Why are you qualified to represent the citizens in Augusta and what inspired you to run?
I have either worked or lived in Windham since 1987 and have seen firsthand how our community has grown. I am passionate about education and the future of Windham and Maine. I will listen to all the people of Windham and work for them in Augusta.
I am running for office because I am concerned about public education, aging in place, and a balanced approach to budgeting. In recent years, school funding costs have been shifted to our local school district and as a result, our property taxes have risen substantially. I retired from teaching four years ago to help care for my aging mother who lives with us. After her stroke, I could not work the needed 55+ hours per week as a teacher. Windham and our state need more efficient coordinated services for our elderly to help them age in place.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing your district? What can you do to help overcome that issue?
As I am talking to people at their doors, I hear that they are concerned about continually increasing property taxes. This is happening in part because of cost shifting or cuts from the state level. The revenue sharing program to cities/town which started in the 1970s is supposed to provide revenue annually but it isn’t included in as revenue for Windham’s budget because they don’t feel they can count on it. Maine is spending about 9% less for education on the state level than it did in 2008. Windham/Raymond is receiving about $1.5 million less in state funding than it did in 10 years ago. Our school spending per pupil is one of the lowest in Cumberland County and it is less than the state average. Maine spends less per pupil than any other New England state. Even with these fiscal challenges, Windham/Raymond had the highest graduation rate in the state in 2015 for districts with over 3000 students! For this next year, Windham/Raymond is losing about $1.1 million compared to last year in state funding in part because the state decided to use the 2 most recent years of property value data instead of 3. Since property values here are increasing, this means we lost more state funding than it should have using the Essential Services and Program formula. Maine voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of supporting education funding at the 55% level more than once and we haven’t come close to that yet.
With a budget surplus at the state level, some of that surplus revenue should go back to the cities/towns to help give Mainers relief from rising property taxes. The Maine Legislature needs to make sure that programs that provide revenue for education are efficient. As your Representative, I pledge that I will do everything I can to eliminate wasteful spending and to ensure that our schools get the funding they deserve.
From a state perspective we need to make sure that businesses have good quality and affordable broadband. We need to make sure that education opportunities and resources are available to business owners and employees. We need to continue to promote shopping local. One local idea for the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce is to set up a gift card/certificate program that can be purchased then used at participating local businesses. https://visitbath.com/programs/gift-of-bath/
Windham/Raymond is in a perfect location that combines good job opportunities and a great quality of life and recreational options. People who live in Windham/Raymond commute to Portland, Lewiston/Auburn, and other places in southern and midcoast Maine. Maine should provide incentives that help repay or forgive student loans for a long term commitment to living and working in Maine.
Maine is going to have a crisis of not enough workers in the very near future if we don’t do something about it. We need to improve the infrastructure of opportunity which includes excellent education, access to affordable and quality healthcare, and tax relief for the middle class.
Education opportunities are part of this infrastructure. Maine needs to provide a well-rounded education for jobs which will bring young families to Windham/Raymond. Education is needed for good paying jobs which include skilled trades and for jobs that don’t exist yet. High schools need to encourage Maine high school graduates to explore apprenticeships and other educational opportunities for the skilled trades. As an educator of over 30 years, I will listen to business owners and educators to make sure the future education needs of Maine are addressed.
Why should voters cast their ballots for you? What are your three biggest issues?
The voters of District 25 should vote for me because I am concerned about public education, aging in place, and a balanced approach to budgeting which should provide relief for the middle class.
I taught high school mathematics for 31 years, 27 years in Windham. I always encouraged my students to reach their full potential. I believe it is crucial to invest in education. All students in Maine need opportunities to be successful and have role models both in and out of the classroom. Excellent Pre-K through post-secondary education no matter what zip code is how Maine will keep and attract younger people. Augusta needs to live up to the will of the voters and fully fund education at the 55% level.
I am deeply committed to finding strategies to help Maine residents age in place, especially since becoming a caregiver myself. I retired from teaching full time four years ago to care for my mother who had a stroke. She has lived with us for many years but is no longer able to accomplish many everyday tasks. I was fortunate to be able to retire and help her, knowing many others are not able to do that. Maine is among the states with the oldest median age in the country so these situations are going to be even more common.
We need to be fiscally responsible. All expenditures must be assessed for true need and not just based on past practices. Our towns and middle-class citizens need relief. We need to examine and increase our revenue sources.
We chose to live in Windham and raise our family here because of the excellent school system, small town community feel and close proximity to recreational activities. We want others to have this opportunity too!
How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?
207-893-1849
Facebook: Jennie Butler for Maine House District 25
Webpage: jenniebutlerwindham.com
Patrick Corey. Republican. Re-election.
My wife Sheila and I live in the home she grew up in on the River Road. I am a self-employed creative director that builds brands, websites, and marketing materials. I currently sit on the Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors board and previously have done volunteer work for the Windham Land Trust as a board member and Windham Historical Society.
Why are you qualified to represent the citizens in Augusta and what inspired you to run?
I still have a great deal left to do. People ask me what I enjoy most about the people’s work in Augusta and I tell them doing good committee work and helping my constituents bring about positive change. I’ve had the fortune of serving on some great committees over the past four years including Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Criminal Justice and Public Safety, and the committee that looked at recreational cannabis this past session. Constituents have also entrusted me with bringing forth legislation to make Maine a better place.
I’d say that my biggest qualifications are my ability to successfully shepherd legislation through the process, willingness to stand out on my own when the moment calls for it, and dedication to being in my seat to work and vote. I’ve maintained a 100% voting and attendance record to date. I’ve never let anything take me away from the people’s business outside of doing other work for the people.
I’ve heard from many constituents that Windham’s growth is their biggest concern: they feel like Windham is losing its rural character and they are concerned about how this could affect their property taxes. At the state level, there are conservation and tax programs that can be used as tools to preserve open space in some areas of town while we are growing in others. Over the years I have supported and worked for these programs. I also participated on the last Comprehensive Plan Review Team which took an in-depth look at Windham’s growth going forward.
Windham and Raymond are made up of many small businesses. How will you help small businesses be successful in the area?
By understanding that many of Maine's small business owners do not have some of the advantages larger corporations see. Small businesses face challenges in how they are organized (i.e., tax filing, assets, and liability), access to capital, workforce availability, purchasing power, and efficiency. There is a great deal of legislation to help and promote Maine’s small businesses and it’s important to get behind these efforts. I belong to the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce.
What are some suggestion you have that might inspire Windham and Raymond graduates to stay (or return after college graduation) and make Windham and Raymond their home?
Windham and Raymond graduates have an excellent opportunity to bring vibrancy to the region and help shape its growth. This is so important because they are rooted here, are already connected to their community, and can bring skill sets tomorrow’s businesses desperately need. There are real opportunities for these graduates to become the next generation of leaders.
From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
Maine’s stagnant population growth combined with our aging demographics. Retiring baby boomers are leaving their jobs and it’s challenging to find people to fill those jobs. This is happening throughout New England putting us in competition with our neighbors. Opportunity for young people comes in good pay, lower taxes, education affordability, and career options where there is room for growth when they’re starting out. Maine needs to become more competitive.
I have experience making law and doing it in a bipartisan manner. With a legislature where each chamber is controlled by a different party, it’s been imperative that a House member be willing and able to work with everyone to improve the lives of Maine’s people. I’ve proven I can do this.
Issues I’d like to work on include: 1. Promoting resident voices in the initiative process over those of big money, out-of-state, special interests. 2. Affordable higher education for Maine’s traditional and non-traditional students who wish to expand their knowledge. 3. Advocating for business because I know having people with good paying jobs solves a lot of problems for state and local government.
Issues I’d like to work on include: 1. Promoting resident voices in the initiative process over those of big money, out-of-state, special interests. 2. Affordable higher education for Maine’s traditional and non-traditional students who wish to expand their knowledge. 3. Advocating for business because I know having people with good paying jobs solves a lot of problems for state and local government.
My mobile number is (207) 749-1336. To learn more about me, my work in the Legislature, or my positions visit www.coreyforhouse.com.
Bill Diamond. Democrat. Re-election Unopposed. Raymond and Windham (includes: Baldwin, Casco, Frye Island and Standish). District 26. Maine Senate.
Wife Jane, two adult daughters, Karyn and Kristin, 8 grandchildren – 6 girls and 2 boys. Former teacher, principal and superintendent of schools. Local small business owner for 38 years. Served in the Maine House of Representatives, State Senate and Maine’s Secretary of State for 8 years. Professional affiliations and awards include: Former member of the Windham Rescue (EMT) and Fire Department, founding member of Hospice of Southern Maine, co-founder of Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors, co-founder of the Windham Land Trust, American Legion “Legislator of the Year” award and Board of Directors of the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals
Why are you qualified to represent the citizens in Augusta and what inspired you to run?
I’ve always had the desire to help people and over the years I’ve discovered that the need is never ending and there are ample opportunities to help people both locally and at the state level.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing your district? What can you do to help overcome that issue?
Controlling local and state taxes, protecting our water, land and air, supporting our local businesses and protecting our children from abuse and neglect are some of my highest priorities. I’ve been working hard on these issues and will continue to do so.
Windham and Raymond are made up of many small businesses. How will you help small businesses be successful in the area?
As a small business owner for the past 38 years I have a unique perspective on what the legislature can do to support small businesses. First, prohibit the constant efforts by some to increase taxes on businesses for the purpose of raising money for unrelated projects. Second, do no harm, in other words don’t place further government burdens on businesses – let them alone to run their businesses as only they know how to do.
What are some suggestions you have that might inspire Windham and Raymond graduates to stay (or return after college graduation) and make Windham and Raymond their home?
As our young adults graduate from high school and post-secondary education, they need to know that we want them to come back to Maine and build their lives here. We need to look at incentives in terms of job opportunities and encouraging them to possibly create their own businesses. All of this discussion should start while they are still students in our schools. If we approach this issue as a community project then we have a better chance of succeeding.
From a state-wide perspective, in your opinion, what is the single most important issue that the governor and legislature should be addressing?
The most important statewide issue is promoting and expanding our economy through incentives for our existing businesses and attractions for those businesses that may be thinking of coming to our state. Good paying jobs with good benefits are the foundation of success for our great State of Maine. By the way, such an effort takes constant work because there are a lot of potential distractions and disruptions to those goals.
Why should voters cast their ballots for you? What are your three biggest issues?
I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens in District 26, Windham, Raymond, Casco, Standish, Baldwin and Frye Island in the Maine Senate. I pledge to make every effort to continue with my perfect attendance in the Senate and use my energies and experience to help solve my constituents’ problems. Experience is especially important because I’m familiar with governmental procedures and I know who to contact within the bureaucracies to get problems solved. My top priorities are controlling taxes, supporting local businesses and continuing to change our laws and pass new ones all in an effort to protect our vulnerable children who too often are left to the whim of broken bureaucracies and predators.
How can citizens contact you prior to Election Day?
I’m easy to reach through my home phone, 207-892-8941, cell phone, 207-650-4713 and email, billdiamondwindham@gmail.com.
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