Young Life Sebago helps shape area teens positively

By Masha Yurkevich

Both children and parents know that young years are not easy ones. Decision-making, future plans, wise choices all play a role into who we will become. Not only does this play a role in who we will become, but it also plays a role in what the society and community will become, because the young generation is the future.

Since 1941, Young Life has offered young adults a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on. The Young Life is a world class organization for adolescents with staff and volunteers who enter the world of kids, focusing on what matters to them — fun, adventure, friendship and a sense of significance.

Young Life was founded in 1941 by Jim Rayburn who saw children in his community who were hurting and in need of hope that no one was reaching out to.

Since then, volunteer leaders and staff have been committed to reaching out to middle school, high school and college students, teen moms, students living with disabilities, military teens, kids experiencing homelessness, living in the foster care system, or incarcerated. It is a nonprofit organization that is financially supported by local families, community members, churches, and others.

Dani Miller is the Area Director for Young Life Sebago. Her involvement with Young Life goes back to when she was in high school. She got involved as a student and after graduating Windham High School, she started to volunteer with the organization as a Leader and she felt pulled to continue to invest in this mission and has been on Staff with Young Life for the last five years.

“Young Life is an international outreach organization to teens, an interdenominational Christian faith-based ministry,” says Miller. “Our local area, Young Life Sebago, exists in Gorham and Windham, with students from both middle schools and high schools as well as from nearby towns. Volunteer leaders from our community invest time serving as positive adult role models, providing students with fun and life-giving ways to spend their time, and giving them a chance to hear about God’s love for them.”

What Miller does is support and oversee their middle school and high school groups in Gorham and Windham. She works with adult volunteer leaders, committee members, supporters, and students, aiming to build connections and positive relationships that bring about transformation in the lives of students.

“We also offer week-long summer trips to beautiful YL-owned properties in New York state as well as weekend-long Fall trips,” says Miller.

Young Life aims to be a positive presence in the lives of students and families in the community by providing a welcoming environment and meaningful relationships regardless of faith background.

Every spring, Young Life hosts PowerServe, a community service event in Windham dedicated to Shane Donnelly, a teen who passed away and is remembered as a young man who loved helping others and bringing smiles to those around him. PowerServe hosts hundreds of volunteers each year who go out to help residents and organizations in our community and then share a BBQ together.

Young Life Sebago has been involved with the Windham Summerfest for several years, and this past year they hosted a Cornhole Tournament.

“All middle school and high school students are welcome and belong. There are no requirements, no registration or membership, and no faith-background of any sort is necessary or expected,” says Miller. “Adults can get involved by being a volunteer leader — working directly with kids — a committee member, the group who works behind the scenes to keep the ministry running, a donor, our team of people who financially support, and in other creative ways.”

The middle school group (called “WyldLife”) meets every other week, and the high school group meets one to three times a week. Each group offers nights full of games, music, activities, and laughter as well as a separate Bible study for those students interested in faith.

“We have a ‘get to know Young Life’ Pep Rally coming up on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at the Windham Town Hall Gym (8 School Road),” says Miller. “This is a casual, ‘come as you are’ event to learn more about what Young Life does in the community and how to help get more teens connected. All are welcome.”

More information can be found by visiting https://sebago.younglife.org <

‘Triple B’ celebration honors RTT’s important work

For the first time since 2019, people gathered together in person to celebrate Riding To The Top Therapeutic Riding Center’s 14th Annual Triple B ~ Boots, Band & BBQ on Saturday, Oct. 22 in Windham.

The featured speakers at Riding To The Top's annual
Triple B celebration were Debbie Hutchinson, left, a RTT
client, and Janis Childs, a RTT volunteer.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

The excitement was palpable as attendees were welcomed back into the arena, some for the first time since before the pandemic. The joy of friends dancing together once again was matched only by the outpouring of support for RTT’s programs – with the evening topping more than $200,000 to benefit the clients, horses, and programs of Riding To The Top Therapeutic Riding Center (RTT).

This year’s event was a celebration of the community’s support of and devotion to RTT’s mission through the pandemic. It welcomed back many familiar faces.

Popular local band Under The Covers, auctioneer Elizabeth Holmstrom, and emcee Michelle Taylor of 99.9 The Wolf, all returned to donate their time and engage the attendees in enthusiastic bidding. Schilly’s Catering and Food Services offered delicious barbeque to the hungry crowd and St. Joseph’s baseball team put their base running skills to good use, collecting bid cards as hands shot into the air.

There was no greater example of the power of being present at RTT than those set by the two keynote speakers.

Debbie Hutchinson, a RTT client, shared her story and the role that RTT’s horses have played in her journey navigating Multiple Sclerosis – detailing not only the differences that riding has made to her physical health, but also how her relationship with RTT’s Paxton has improved her emotional health.

Janis Childs, a RTT volunteer and board member, took the microphone next, moving herself and the crowd to tears as she discussed the power of working with riders like Hutchinson and how the impact that the horses have on clients is always more than is known. She highlighted this with stories she was told by people after RTT had to say goodbye to a beloved member of the herd, Luke, this past summer.

Childs ended her speech by galvanizing the crowd gathered for the auction, pointing out that money is like manure – “spread it around and good things grow.”

Sarah Bronson, RTT’s Executive Director, said that the event exceeded all expectations.

“Saturday night was truly a celebration of being “Together Again”—the outpouring of support from our sponsors, table hosts, guests and the amazing crew of volunteers who helped to transform the arena leading up to the event (and putting the arena back together after the event) was simply astounding,” she said. “My deepest gratitude to everyone who was involved in making this year’s Triple B not only a night to remember but a record breaker that will help to support the clients, horses and programs at RTT as we look forward to 2023.”

This year’s event was particularly important following the rise in demand for services in 2022. The continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and physical health of both children and adults, coupled with the closing of the second largest therapeutic riding center in Maine earlier in the year led to more people seeking out RTT’s services.

According to Bronson, as RTT works to get people off their wait list and into activities, support from the community is more vital than ever.

If you want to be part of that community, there’s still time to donate at ridingtothetop.org

All Triple B proceeds support the riders and horses of RTT. <

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day returns this weekend

By Ed Pierce

The 23rd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is set for this Saturday and members of the Windham Police Department are ready to collect unwanted and unused or expired prescription medications from anybody wishing to get rid of them.

Unused, expired or unwanted prescription medications will
be collected from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on National Prescription
Drug Take Back day on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Windham
Public Safety Building, 375 Gray Road, Windham.
COURTESY PHOTO

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, anyone can drop off unwanted medications at the Windham Public Safety Building as part of the initiative. The Drug Enforcement Administration launched National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in 2010 as an opportunity to provide a simple and anonymous way for anyone looking to properly dispose of medications that are highly susceptible to misuse or abuse.

The detrimental impacts of prescription misuse makes it even more vital to remove unused medications from homes, where they can easily find their way into the wrong hands.

“Unused prescription drugs that collect in our homes can accidentally fall into the wrong hands, creating unintended gateways to opioid addiction,” said Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King in a joint statement. “Maine is one of the top 10 states disposing prescription drugs through the DEA’s Drug Take-Back Program, and we are confident that our state will continue to lead efforts to stop the misuse of unused drugs that pose a serious threat to our children, our homes, and our environment.”

Collins and King say that National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications. Since 2020, collection sites, including in Windham began accepting vaping devices and associated substances.

Last year across the U.S., more than 721,000 pounds of unused, expired, or unwanted drugs were safely collected across the country, including over 525,000 pounds of medication in Maine alone.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 16 million Americans misused prescription medications in the past year with many obtained from family and friends, often in the home medicine cabinet. The prevalence of misuse was highest among young adults ages 18- to 25-years- old.

The detrimental impacts of prescription misuse make it even more vital for Windham residents to remove unused medications from the community.

The Windham Police Department encourages residents to take advantage of this opportunity to help prevent drug misuse and improve the health and safety of our communities.

If you are unable to bring unwanted medications to the Windham Public Safety Building on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, residents are welcome to use the safe and secure permanent drop-off collection location in the lobby of the Public Safety Building from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

The Windham Police Association, Windham Rescue Association and Walgreens Pharmacy have partnered with the Windham Police Department to establish a permanent MedReturn drug collection receptacle in the Public Safety Building lobby.

During nights, weekends, and holidays, please contact the Police Department at 207- 892-2525 and request to meet an officer at the Public Safety Building. The officer can assist in accessing the lobby for drop-off of unwanted medications when the lobby doors are locked. <

Fay to serve as House chair of PFAS Fund Advisory Committee

AUGUSTA – Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, has been named House chair of the newly-created PFAS Fund Advisory Committee.

State Rep. Jessica Fay

The committee, established in the Fiscal Year 2023 supplemental budget that was passed by the Legislature earlier this year, will make recommendations on how to utilize a $60 million fund to provide relief to Maine farmers that have been impacted by PFAS contamination.

“I am proud to serve with others on this committee and find solutions to help alleviate the stress that our farmers who have been affected by PFAS are facing,” said Fay. “It is important to listen to those whose livelihoods and health have been directly impacted.”

The committee will host its first working meeting, open to the public, on Nov. 14. Interested parties can learn more about future committee meetings by signing up for email communications here.

“The presence of PFAS on Maine farmland has been widely reported on, but it has also been found in drinking water and wild animal tissue,” said Fay. “It is crucial that we continue to investigate, test and develop mitigation strategies, as well as monitor the health of people affected.”

In addition to her work regarding the mitigation of PFAS on farms, Fay has sponsored legislation to address PFAS contamination in private water systems. Now law, LD 1891 authorizes the Maine State Housing Authority to provide grants to homeowners for the testing and treatment of potentially contaminated private well water systems.

Rep. Fay, who represents part of Casco, part of Poland and part of Raymond, is in her third term in the House. She serves on the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs and the Government Oversight Committee. <

Races for three important Cumberland County positions unopposed

By Ed Pierce

When voters in Windham and Raymond complete their ballots on Election Day, along with the slate of local candidates they will find three races for important Cumberland County positions are unopposed this year.

For sheriff, incumbent Kevin Joyce of Standish is unopposed. Joyce, a Democrat, joined the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department in 1986 as a deputy and has served as county sheriff since first being elected to the position in 2010.

Jackie Sartoris, a Democrat from Brunswick, is unopposed in seeking the Cumberland County District Attorney position. Sartoris is currently an assistant district attorney in Kennebec County and formerly served as a town councilor in Brunswick.

In the Cumberland County Judge of Probate race, Paul Aranson, a Democrat from Scarborough, is unopposed. Aranson is an attorney who served as the District Attorney of Cumberland County from 1982 to 1990.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8 with polls open in Windham at Windham High School and in Raymond at Jordan-Small Middle School. <

In the public eye: Legere at center of Windham Public Works’ success

Editor’s note: This is another in an ongoing series of Windham and Raymond town employee profiles.

By Ed Pierce

Jennifer Legere has become an essential member of Windham’s Public Works Department and someone that residents can depend on when they need assistance from various town offices.

As Administrative Assistant for Windham's Public Works
Department, Jennifer Legere is the interface between
the town and residents who seek need help from Public
Works. She also handles tasks for the town's engineer,
Highway Supervisor, Public Works Director, and 
Building and Grounds Supervisor. 
SUBMITTED PHOTO   

Legere serves as the Town of Windham’s Public Works Administrative Assistant and handles a variety of tasks for the Public Works Director, Town Engineer, Highway Supervisor and Building and Grounds Supervisor, as well as in assisting other departments when needed.

Her specific duties include answering phones, being available at the front office for when people visit, processing payroll for all Windham Public Works employees, tracking costs associated with certain projects and jobs, and processing and coding invoices. She also creates and maintains various spreadsheets, ordering office supplies, processing permits for the Windham Town Engineer and serves as the go-between for permit applicants and the town, collecting fees associated with permits as well as recycling bins, ordering signs either replacements or for new street openings.

If that’s not all, Legere fields all types of phone calls related to trash service, road maintenance, and other miscellaneous issues in Windham.

“I am also the go-between for residents and Casella with regards to trash service, so please, go easy on me if you have to call,” she said.

Despite only being on the job since May 2022, Legere is committed to quality work and says she enjoys her job.

“So far, I love the variety of people I talk to on the phone every day. They are all mostly residents of Windham and are essentially my neighbors,” Legere said. “I am chatty, so I have engaged in some entertaining conversations with certain residents. Everyone that I have worked with at the town have been very helpful and welcoming to me as a new person and someone that is new to working in a municipality.”

As a new municipal employee, she feels she still has things to learn about the various programs used to process invoices, payroll, and permits.

“Learning the ins and outs of those systems can be a little challenging but everyone has been very supportive and not too annoyed with my many questions,” Legere said. “I think the biggest misconception many have is that an Administrative Assistant only answers the phones and things of that nature. An organized support staff is very important to the daily operations of a successful department. I enjoy providing that support so everyone can work efficiently and effectively.”

She grew up in Portland and attended schools there before working in a daycare/pre-school as a Pre-School teacher after high school. Legere then spent 19 years as an employee at AAA Northern New England, logging time as a Customer Service Representative in the Call Center, as a Call Center Supervisor, as a Dispatcher and then a Dispatch Supervisor.

“I then worked for the last 10 years with AAA as a Production Specialist making AAA TripTiks which was a job I loved very much,” she said. “Unfortunately, our positions were eliminated, and I decided it was time to move on rather than take another position. After leaving AAA, I gained a position with Oakhurst Dairy as the Fleet Services Coordinator, where I was essentially the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Systems and Logistics with support roles for Distribution, HR, Customer Service and Fleet Maintenance. My position with Oakhurst probably taught me most of the skills I needed to obtain my job with the town.”

She says that she always has been interested in working in municipal government in the town where she lives.

“Everything about it looked appealing to me. I am working closer to home now with only a seven-minute commute,” Legere said.

According to Legere, her family supports her decision to work for the Town of Windham.

“My family was all very happy for me as they knew it was something I had wanted for a long time,” she said. “The general public may not know how much time the Public Works employees put in to keeping our town looking nice and running smoothly while staying within budget. I think people forget that there is a major worker shortage and in addition to that there is a CDL driver shortage nationwide due to changes in obtaining a CDL license. Many Public Works employees have been performing the job of two people until recently when we became almost fully staffed. I have quickly learned that the majority of the people that work for our town enjoy the work they do, and they take pride in their work and keeping our town a desirable place to live, work and raise a family.” <

RSU 14 Board of Directors Candidate Q&A

RSU 14 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES

 

(Windham, two available positions, three-year terms)

 

Vying to fill two three-year positions on the RSU 14
Board of Directors for Windham are, from left,
incumbent Marge Govoni, newcomer Caitlynn Downs,
and former board member Christina Small. 
SUBMITTED PHOTOS  

Marjorie (Marge) Govoni
RSU 14 Board of Directors
Occupation: Retired (now I work harder, LOL)
Previous Elected Experience: I have been serving on this School Board since 2008/2009.

Why are you running for this position and please be specific.

“I would like to continue the work on the new WMS committee, being board representative to the Vocational Schools, the Finance and Facilities committees and other endeavors. I make a point of visiting all the schools so I am up to date on what is happening in all the buildings and I have a good relationship with staff and administrators. I care deeply about the education our students receive and I want to help students and staff get all the support they need.”

In your opinion, what is the most pressing issue currently facing RSU 14 right now?

“Following the crisis that students, families, and staff went through during the pandemic I think these are pressing issues right now. 1. Helping our students get back on track emotionally and academically. 2. Making our staff feel valued and supported emotionally. 3. Teacher/Parent relationships.”

What three things have you accomplished to benefit this community in the past three years?

“I am the Program Coordinator, fundraiser and head up the packing for the Backpack Program (weekend food program for students in need) and have been since its inception. I established a Community Wellness Committee consisting of School Administrators, Town Management and numerous department heads to meet and discuss issues facing our residents. I am one of the founders of the Windham Community Garden and a committee member, we presently have around 90 beds for folks who are looking to grow their own vegetables. I am also on the local Planning Board. And that is just a few of my accomplishments.”

What do you think you will do better or differently than your opponents if you are elected?

“I don’t know if I would do anything better or different than my opponents but I will say that I do not have any personal agenda items and I have always put my heart and soul in trying to do the right thing, whatever that might be at the moment.”

What are the greatest economic, cultural, and social strengths of this community in your opinion, and how will you support those strengths if elected?

“This community always comes through when there is a need, whether it be food donations to the food pantry or monetary donations to programs like Neighbors Helping Neighbors. I find this community very accepting of all generations, nationalities, and social standings. I cannot begin to number how many times residents, businesses and organizations have come forward when there is a need. I feel I support these strengths by my continued community involvement, and I think I work harder now than when I was employed.”

How would you rate the caliber of education currently offered to students by RSU 14?

“We can always improve and I give the RSU 14 administrators kudos for always looking to improve and help the students be prepared for life after school, whether it be college, vocational training, military or the work force.”

What are your thoughts about the parent’s rights movement in Maine education?

“Parents have a right to be involved in their children's education, but I think there is a fine line between being involved and having unreasonable expectations. I would like them to remember that they have entrusted their children to the schools with the expectation that they will receive an education that will help them succeed when they leave school. I would hope that there was an open line of communication between staff and parents. Please remember that we all have student's best interest at heart and hopefully we can find a common ground.”

What would you do if elected to support teachers and school administrators at RSU 14 schools to ensure that they give the best possible education to the students of this community?

“I would continue to support them in any way possible as I have since first coming on the Board. I am on the contract negotiations team and I and others try to hire and retain the best teachers possible, which also applies to support staff and administrators. We have caring professional staff in this district, and I will always support them when needed.”



Caitlynn Downs
RSU 14 Board of Directors
Occupation: Office Manager for State Farm
Previous Elected Experience: No elected experience. I was a Big Sister with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Organization for more than ten years and was honored to be named Match of the Year in 2019.

Why are you running for this position and please be specific.

“I want to help facilitate open lines of communication between the School Board and parents within our community and maintain positive working relationships to provide the best educational experiences for our children.”

In your opinion, what is the most pressing issue currently facing RSU 14 right now?

“How the Department of Education focus on social issues and identity is distracting to standard academic learning.”

What three things have you accomplished to benefit this community in the past three years?

“I was able to participate in supporting parent’s choice of optional masking for their students within our schools. I have participated in the Relay for Life walks held by the American Cancer Society and hosted golf tournaments to fund raise for those events.”

What do you think you will do better or differently than your opponents if you are elected?

“Place a strong focus on open dialogue in a transparent setting where everyone feels welcome and heard. I will be a fresh voice in an everchanging community dynamic. I know we are all working to achieve the same goal, which is to educate fantastic students, and I will continue to support teachers and administrators within RSU 14 to be able to do the amazing work they do each day.”

“What are the greatest economic, cultural, and social strengths of this community in your opinion, and how will you support those strengths if elected?

“One of the best parts of this town is seeing how the community really supports one another. Small businesses and restaurants congratulate sports teams with their signs, mention words of support and they will advertise for fundraisers. It’s a very giving community and giving back to the community is something I try to participate in any capacity I am able.”

How would rate the caliber of education currently offered to students by RSU 14?

“I would rate it very highly; it was a big reason of why we moved to Windham when our oldest daughter became of school age.”

What are your thoughts about the parent’s rights movement in Maine education?

“Parental rights are non-negotiable. The parent is responsible for their child. It should not have to be a movement. A parent has every right to know and understand what happens within the school while their child is present, and every right to question it as well.”

What would you do if elected to support teachers and school administrators at RSU 14 schools to ensure that they give the best possible education to the students of this community?

“Continue to focus on transparency and open dialogue with administrators, teachers, parents, and students to be sure we are hearing and understanding what they need to be the best they can in their individual roles.”


Christina Small
RSU 14 Board of Directors
Occupation: Noon Monitor at Windham Primary School
Previous Elected Experience: Two years RSU 14 Board of Directors in 2020 and 2021.

Why are you running for this position and please be specific.

“I have always had a strong sense of civic duty. Schoolboardmanship is often underappreciated work and up until the past few years ignored by most. I first joined the Board prior to the pandemic because I know that it takes the work of a community to provide the best education to our students and I want to be a part of that any way I can.”

In your opinion, what is the most pressing issue currently facing RSU 14 right now?

“As with almost every organization right now, staffing. We need to ensure we're retaining the people we have and creating an environment that will attract other qualified individuals.”

What three things have you accomplished to benefit this community in the past three years?

“During my previous tenure on the board, I helped usher the district through the many changes brought on by the pandemic. I also worked to pass two responsible budgets during periods of economic uncertainty. In the year since I worked to develop positive relationships with learners at WPS while helping fill a critical staffing need.”

What do you think you will do better or differently than your opponents if you are elected?

“My experience working and volunteering at WPS this past year has provided me with an additional perspective and insight into the workings of our schools. Also as I have served in this position before I will be up to speed much faster than my opponent.”

What are the greatest economic, cultural, and social strengths of this community in your opinion, and how will you support those strengths if elected?

Question not answered by candidate.

How would rate the caliber of education currently offered to students by RSU 14?

“When my husband and I moved to Windham 9 years ago it was in large part due to the high quality of schools in the district. WHS’s graduation rate is higher than the state average which I feel is a direct result of the hard work of our staff as well as the multiple pathways to graduation offered.”

What are your thoughts about the parent’s rights movement in Maine education?

“I feel this movement is being driven by a national cultural divide rather than any local issue. If a parent has a concern about what is being taught in their child's classroom, I would encourage them to contact the teacher and ask open ended questions without assumptions or accusations. I believe they'd find that our teachers want to partner with parents, not work against them.”

What would you do if elected to support teachers and school administrators at RSU 14 schools to ensure that they give the best possible education to the students of this community?

“I want to ensure they have the resources needed to successfully run their classroom and schools. I respect our teachers and administrators as the experienced professionals they are and they deserve to have the tools and the space to do what we hired them to do.”

Windham Town Council Candidate Q&A

WINDHAM TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATES

(Three-year terms)

 

Running unopposed for Windham Town Council in the Nov. 8
election are, from left, incumbent Jarrod Maxfield (North
District), incumbent Nicholas Kalogerakis (South District),
and newcomer John Henry (At Large). SUBMITTED PHOTOS 
 

Jarrod Maxfield
Windham Town Council North District
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Previous Elected Experience: 2016 to Current, Windham Town Council North District

Why are you running for this position and please be specific.

“I’ve had the privilege of serving on the council the last six years and being a part of some major accomplishments; but there is still a lot of work to be done and I would like to continue to serve and help make sure what we have achieved continues to move forward and is completed.”

In your opinion, what is the most pressing issue currently facing the Town of Windham?

“It is cliche at this point but the answer is growth. And that will continue to be the answer for the foreseeable future. I recently read through the last decade or so of Council Chair Annual Letters and almost everyone noted growth as the pressing issue. I bet if we go back one decade or 10 decades that was also the issue. Some people want zero growth, some want no rules and a free market; to me the answer is somewhere in the middle, hopefully guided by common sense. Growth will come and we cannot stop it, we must work with it to maximize benefit for our town and guide it as we can.”

What three things have you accomplished to benefit this community in the past three years?

“As a Town Council member, I have had many opportunities to work with other Council members, Town staff and members of the community to get things done, nothing is a one-person effort and it's hard to pick just three. Foremost is the sewer; when I first ran six years ago, I told residents I wanted to finally get the long debated and defeated North Windham Sewer accomplished and six years later that passed voter approval this summer. Second, The East Windham Conservation Project which will forever protect approximately 750 acres of land for Windham. This will be an asset and resource for all future generations, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of. Finally, on the Council we get opportunities to serve in other ways and I represent the Council on the Middle School Committee as we navigate towards a new RSU Middle School. This is a great group of community members, RSU staff, educators and more. This group has worked hard for over a year to help move this project forward which when completed will be an educational advantage for our children and a benefit to Windham taxpayers who will benefit from state funding.”

What do you think you will do better or differently this term if you are elected?

“I would like to communicate better with the community. In the world of Facebook and email there are better ways I could communicate with residents and get the word out on what we are working on and accomplishing. It is good for residents to be involved and educated on what’s happening in town and why and to have them as a part of the decision-making process. Sadly, we are also living in a world where bad news and sadly, fake news, travel faster than the facts and when our residents have the wrong idea or information it can be a negative for all involved. Better communication could help avoid that and that is a personal goal for myself to improve and also a goal for the Council and Staff to improve.”

What are the greatest economic, cultural, and social strengths of this community in your opinion, and how will you support those strengths if elected?

“We have many opportunities in Windham and it’s hard to choose just one. But for economics, as its base, Route 302. We are a hub that serves hundreds of thousands of people a year, many more than live in Windham, and we should continue to build a foundation to create a place people want to go. This can bring in business and workers we need to grow a commercial base and help alleviate our residential tax base pressure. Windham’s culture of being a rural, farm community is important to keep and nurture. Even as we see growth in many places it is important to note where we are not seeing as much growth. We have policies we have been putting in place that helps to protect the lands and open spaces in town. Our social strength is the kindness of Windham residents. I have seen multiple occasions over the last few years of our residents stepping up to help each other in all sorts of occurrences and that isn’t something you find everywhere. We have a tight community fabric built on kindness to our neighbors.”

If elected, which council committees would you like to serve on?

“I am interested in continuing on the Windham Economic Development Committee and the Highland Lake Committee. I also represent the Council on the GPCOG Executive Board, EcoMaine Executive Board and the Windham Middle School Committee and would like to continue those assignments.”

What specific ideas and proposals do you have to alleviate Windham’s housing crisis?

“I wish I had some magic answer, but I do not. The problem with housing is two sided. On one side we need housing, especially affordable housing. On the other side, the town only has so much room and can only handle so much growth without overburdening the current systems and residents. Growth will come and we must work with it and try and benefit from it. Ignoring it or trying to stop it only slows the inevitable and delays success. In the last few years, the Council and Staff have worked to find ways to find a middle ground to allow for growth but with boundaries. We enacted a building cap so that only a certain amount of permits are allowed per year. Standards were adopted so subdivisions in rural zones have to plan for land management and open spaces. We have also adopted policies to encourage growth in our growth areas, including housing. Growing in areas that make sense also helps slow growth in other areas of town, particularly rural areas. Senior Housing is also something we are and need to continue to encourage and see more in the next few years. And finally, all of the above and more are supported by the Council and the residents moving sensible projects like the North Windham Sewer forward because these ideas are only as good as the foundation they are built on. And the last few years that foundation in Windham has been getting stronger and stronger and I look forward to serving another three years and continuing the work.”

Nicholas Kalogerakis
Windham Town Councilor South District
Occupation: Accounting/Bookkeeping, Life/Business Coach
Previous Elected Experience: 2019 to present, Windham Town Councilor, South District

Why are you running for this position and please be specific.

“Before becoming a councilor, I was on the Planning Board, the WEDC, and the Long-Range Planning committee. I enjoy being involved with the town and volunteering. While sitting on these boards I realized that I wanted to be more involved with the policies and ordinances of the town. When working on projects for the town, i.e., growth, sewer, we would run into roadblocks. That’s when I decided to run for town council so I could play a role in the ordinances going forward in order to support the growth the town is experiencing. We can’t stop the town from growing, it’s important we put the parameters in place to grow right.”

In your opinion, what is the most pressing issue currently facing the Town of Windham?

“In one word “growth.”

What three things have you accomplished to benefit this community in the past three years?

“Sewer, 302 Bypass, East Windham Conservation Project. I fully support all three of these projects. They all tie directly to the towns greatest challenge, growth. The Town Manager and staff have done an incredible job getting these projects organized so that we can move Windham forward with zero or minimal increase to the mil rate (depends on the project). I have played a role in all three of these projects and know that these are some of the greatest improvements our town has seen in the last 25 years or so.”

What do you think you will do better or differently this term if you are elected?

“Get more involved with affordable senior housing. Our seniors are on waiting lists and Windham is severely behind in this.”

What are the greatest economic, cultural, and social strengths of this community in your opinion, and how will you support those strengths if elected?

Question not answered by candidate.

If elected, which council committees would you like to serve on?

“Finance Committee and Appointments.”

What specific ideas and proposals do you have to alleviate Windham’s housing crisis?

“I don’t think we have a housing crisis. Windham is growing, most towns do eventually. It’s a great place to live and is close to Portland. We have had a lot of homes being built at a quick pace and we have placed a Building Permit Cap to slow that and ensure that the growth is responsible. Most towns go through this at some point. We need to ensure that the town can continue to provide the services our residents need and want, and we continue to hire police, fire paramedics and any other support staff we need. Then we need the growth to happen in the parts of town that make sense, most of our town is zoned in the farm district. The Long-Range Planning Committee is looking at town zoning and keeping it in line with our Comprehensive Plan. I’m excited to work on this.”

John Henry
Windham Town Councilor At Large
Occupation: Civil Engineer
Previous Elected Experience: No elected experience, served on the Windham Planning Board in 2007

Why are you running for this position and please be specific.

“I believe I have the best interest of the Town and the future of the Town at heart.”

In your opinion, what is the most pressing issue currently facing the Town of Windham?

“Properly planning for the residential and business growth of Windham.”

What three things have you accomplished to benefit this community in the past three years?

“I help support the growth of my local church in Windham, I patronize and support local business whenever possible and I vote (even in the mid cycle elections).”

What do you think you will do better or differently this term if you are elected?

“I believe my pragmatic approach can help facilitate open and productive dialogue.”

What are the greatest economic, cultural, and social strengths of this community in your opinion, and how will you support those strengths if elected?

“The 302 corridor and large and small businesses that support local patrons and tourists are the greatest economic strengths of Windham. Socially and culturally, Windham has everything from the rural farm feel, lakes, rivers, walking trails, to the strong center of town with restaurants, bistro’s, taverns, shopping, and churches! I will do my best to support all of these important components of the Town.”

If elected, which council committees would you like to serve on?

“Perhaps the Long Range Planning Committee and the Council Ordinance Committee.”

What specific ideas and proposals do you have to alleviate Windham’s housing crisis?

“The rapid development of medium to high density housing is not unique to Windham or Maine. At this point, what I can offer is to work with leaders in our community as well as trying to learn from other communities to see what ideas have worked best to support smart growth.”

Windham Center Stage Theater preparing for upcoming production

By Masha Yurkevich

Most of us can agree that a day without some sort of entertainment from watching a show after getting home from a busy day at work, listening to music, going out to eat, or even laughing with a friend, is a rather boring one. The Windham Center Stage Theater (WCST) is now preparing for a new children’s production called “Cinderella Jr” and is looking for cast and crew.

Rachel Scala-Bolduc will direct 'Cinderella Jr.'
for the Windham Center Stage Theater. The
children's production is now accepting
applications for student cast and crew
members. SUBMITTED PHOTO

WCST is a community theater that encourages people of all ages to participate, whether on stage or backstage, in any aspects of theatrical arts in an environment that is family-friendly, safe, and welcoming. It started in 1974 with the first production being “Downeast Potpourri.”

A grand opening celebration was held on March 18, 1978, to commemorate Windham Community Theater’s move into the Community Center. Then, in 1985, WCST received the use of the space in the garage.

Mary Haibon is the chair of the board and has been a part of the WCST for many, many years; her children started in the children’s show, and they are all adults now. The mission statement for the Windham Center Stage Theater is a community theater that encourages people to participate in any and all aspects of theatrical arts in an environment that is family friendly, safe and welcoming.

“We encourage people of all abilities to join us on stage or backstage,” says Haibon. “We encourage high schoolers to come and volunteer with our children’s show. We want people to come and learn about the different ways they can be a part of our community theater.”

During their season, they have three shows. One in the fall that is usually a musical, then a children’s show which will run the first three weekends of March and a spring show. They also have a fundraiser for their scholarship program. In the past there has been a blood drive and a pumpkin parade.

The next upcoming production, “Cinderella Jr.” will be directed by the theater’s children’s show director, Rachel Scala-Bolduc.

Sign-ups for the production are now available and are posted at https://www.windhamcenterstagetheater.com/ with students from second through eighth grade eligible to register to participate. Once the sign-ups reach 40 students, they will be invited to the family (parent/guardian) meeting and will receive an audition slot. Links to sign-up are on the WCST website.

“I will be directing and music directing the show,” said Scala. “My choreographer is the wonderful Emma Tompkins. We - along with a small audition panel will cast the show. We can accept up to 40 students, 20 per cast. Every student signed up will receive a part and every part is important.”

The production runs the first three weekends of March from March 3 to March 19. Each cast will perform six shows.

“This production is a chance for WCST to bring our young actors back to some good, old-fashioned theater,” says Scala. “Rodgers and Hammerstein's musicals are timeless; everyone in the audience will recognize the music, and if they don't, it's a great opportunity to introduce them to a classic! This show will stretch our actors; the music is challenging and fun, the dancing involves some great ensemble numbers, and the character development will grow and evolve with the actors as they really dig into their roles. As a music educator, I am so excited to work with these kiddos this winter and help them to grow confident in all aspects of theater.”

For more information, please visit the WCST website and click on “shows” for further details. <

Windham to host meeting about initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities

By Ed Pierce

Windham will host a subregional meeting of the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System’s Municipal Partnership Initiative next month, according to Windham Town Manager Barry Tibbetts.

The Town of Windham is hosting a meeting of the Portland
Area Comprehensive Transportation System's Municipal
Partnership Initiative on Nov. 9. PHOTO BY ED PIERCE 

During the Windham Town Council meeting on Oct. 11, Tibbetts briefed councilors about the meeting, which will be conducted from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the Windham Town Hall.

Tibbetts said that the meeting is a summit for western municipalities in Cumberland County to work on the creation of a “Vision Zero” plan to reduce fatalities for pedestrians, bicyclists and those who drive automobiles on county highways.

The PACTS system builds upon the Maine Department of Transportation’s successful Municipal Partnership Initiative through use of an annual allocation of state funding matched with a minimum of 50 percent local funding for road reconstruction or rehabilitation projects. It directs the spending of more than $25 million in transportation funding each year.

Windham will host a subregional meeting of the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System’s Municipal Partnership Initiative

According to Tibbetts, the intent of this meeting is for the PACTS organization to do public outreach about the planning process and solicit input from people in the subregion, about the movement to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries on local roads.

Belinda Ray, the Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Greater Portland Council of Governments, sent Tibbetts a message saying that the most effective thing a community can do to begin working toward zero is to put an Action Plan in place.

“The action plan we develop for the PACTS region will outline tools and strategies the region can use to achieve the goal of zero fatalities and serious injuries over a number of years,” Ray wrote. “The plan will also identify and prioritize specific areas, corridors, intersections, and streets that are high-crash areas and therefore the most important for us to address.”

She said participants at the summit, will receive an overview of Vision Zero, what an Action Plan would include, and why it's important for this region to have one. The summit meeting also will have a community mapping exercise to encourage people to identify what they see as problem areas in their towns; and they will share some of the crash data that they've compiled to date.

Tibbetts encouraged councilors and anyone interested to attend the meeting. <

Maine State Senate District 26 preview

Former State Senator and State Representative Gary Plummer,
a Republican, right, will be opposed for the State
Senate District 26 seat in the November election by Democrat
Tim Nangle, a former Windham Town Council member.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS  

ELECTION 2022 CANDIDATE Q&A

(Unedited for grammar and spelling and exactly as answered and submitted by each candidate.)  

Gary E. Plummer
Maine Senate District 26, Republican
Occupation: Retired Teacher
Previous Elected Experience: Windham Town Council 1975 to 1982; Cumberland County Commissioner 1983 to 2004; Maine House of Representatives 2004 to 2012; Maine Senate 2013 to 2014

Why are you running for this position and please be specific.

"I'm running because it's obvious that things aren't going well for people right now, and I want to help. That's how I've approached public service my whole life: I see a problem, and I want to help fix it. I'll work with anyone to get the job done that needs doing, and right now I feel strongly that instead of raising costs for people, Augusta needs to be lowering costs for people."

What’s the very first bill you will introduce if you are elected to serve in the Maine Legislature?

"I think people need a break on costs right now, so I'll be looking to accomplish that."

Please share your thoughts about the parent’s rights movement in Maine education.

"I taught public school in Standish and Windham for 34 years, and I can tell you that parents are absolutely concerned about their children’s education. And they should be actively involved -- children are 100% of our future! My job as a representative of the people will be to bring the concerns of people in this district to Augusta, and I'll certainly be a clear voice for making sure parents and students are well-served by our education system."

What three things have you accomplished to benefit this community in the past three years?

"I serve on the Board of Directors for Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors where I have helped raise many thousands of dollars to buy heating fuel for needy residents. I am a member of the Windham Historical Society where I have volunteered many hours to help create the Village Green. I also monitor Babb’s Covered Bridge for the Historical Society. As a member of the Windham Rotary Garden Club where I coordinate and help plant and maintain the gardens at Fosters Corner. I also serve as a volunteer driver for the Memorial Day Parade, the Summerfest Parade, the Easter Bunny Parade and the Santa Claus Parade. As President of the Windham Alumni Committee, I help plan a yearly celebration for those who attended schools in RSU 14."

Would you support legislation to require dairies to test milk for PFAS contaminants before it is sold to Maine consumers and if so, why is this important to the residents of Windham?

"I would need to see the bill and hear more about the science from regulators and farmers. I also want to hear from consumers on that topic as well. This is an important issue that touches so many different facets of Maine life, and it requires serious collaboration and reflection."

What do you think you will do better or differently than the candidate running against you if elected?

"It is hard to say what I would do differently than my opponent, because I know very little about him. I can tell you that I will work hard to represent the people of this senate district. I will treat everyone with respect and I will work with anyone of any political persuasion to make Maine a better place to live and raise our families. I also believe that my previous service in Augusta will help me hit the ground running."

What are the greatest economic, cultural, and social strengths of this community in your opinion, and how will you support those strengths if elected?

"We have energy - our businesses, our people, our civic life. People here are just plain good people, and I've always loved being a part of this community. I appreciate the camaraderie shown by people - it's tight-knit here. I'm really focused on helping to modernize this area, and this state's economy. I believe that widespread prosperity helps a community immensely."

If elected, which legislative committees would you like to serve on?

"I enjoyed serving on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee. I believe my previous service on this committee improved the situation in Maine and I would be happy to return. I would also be happy to serve on the Transportation Committee. Others that I would consider are Judiciary, State and Local Government, Veterans and Legal Affairs, or the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife committees."

What specific ideas and proposals do you have to alleviate Maine’s housing crisis?

"I absolutely understand how frustrating it is for people trying to find housing in this area. I can't believe how tough it is, and I've been pleased to see some of the work on the municipal level that's been done. I'm leery of the state government getting too heavily involved in issues like municipal zoning. I believe that towns have the ability to best help solve these problems, but I'm open to hearing proposals at the state level that would help."

Tim Nangle
State Senate District 26, Democrat
Occupation: Help Desk Support
Previous Elected Experience: Windham Town Council 2015 to 2021

Why are you running for this position and please be specific.

"I’m running for District 26 because I’ve seen first-hand the changing needs of our communities. As a resident of Windham for over 2 decades and on the Windham town council for 6 years, I’ve been on the ground advocating for a better Maine. I want to continue the great work of Senator Diamond by following his example of hard work and dedication to this district by championing working class Mainers in Augusta. It’s important to protect our environment, adequately fund our schools and give our kids the best opportunity to succeed after high school. I’ll work to hold insurance companies accountable for their decisions and reduce medication costs."

What’s the very first bill you will introduce if you are elected to serve in the Maine Legislature?

"Recently, I was contacted by a first responder that responded to a critical incident that left them with a serious injury. Because this person is an infrequent responder, workers compensation calculates their “weekly benefit” based on their earnings from that one job. The amount of the weekly benefit is actually less than what this person would make while working one hour for this agency. This injury will take some time for them to recover to the point where they can begin working their regular full-time job. It’s unfair to this, and other responders who get injured in the line of duty during a response to have to suffer the financial hardship this injury has caused. I will submit a bill that will require workers compensation to calculate the weekly benefit based on the entire weekly income from all employers. We have a shortage of first responders in this state. To not compensate per-diem or occasional on call responder for a line of duty injury for their weekly pay, has a chilling effect on individual’s decision to participate in assisting their communities."

Please share your thoughts about the parent’s rights movement in Maine education.

"First and foremost, public education is a LOCAL CONTROL issue. The state provides guidelines on what should be taught at each grade level. It’s up to the local school board and administration to determine how that information is taught. One district may teach multiplication with one method and another district may use one entirely different. The effects of those differing methods will be shown during standardized tests. Currently parents have the rights that they need to understand and have input in what is being taught in their child’s classroom. Parents should feel free to contact their child’s teacher, principal, superintendent, or school board at any time. In my opinion, if the parent does not know what is being taught, they aren’t asking. While my daughter was in primary and middle school, we were always well informed about what was being taught."

What three things have you accomplished to benefit this community in the past three years?

"My time on the Windham Town Council has provided me the opportunity to have an impact on Windham that can’t be listed as just three things. During my time on the council, I worked to create open space, protect our lakes and streams water quality, build parks, have input into major infrastructure decisions that will service Windham well long into the future. I served as the Vice chairman of the council, chaired the finance committee, and most importantly interviewed individuals for volunteer positions within the Windham town government. The residents of these towns owe a debt of gratitude to those volunteers, because without them, town government would be unable to function."

Would you support legislation to require dairies to test milk for PFAS contaminants before it is sold to Maine consumers and if so, why is this important to the residents of Windham?

"PFAS or “forever chemicals” are a major concern to our health and safety. Because there needs to be determinations of acceptable levels and sources etc. I would need to review any proposed legislation. I’d want to hear from experts in the field before making any firm decision. I’m not sure that it would be legitimate to blame dairy farmers for all of our PFAS woes. There are many sources of PFAS. If mandated, I would suggest that the state fund the testing and research where the PFAS are coming from. If we’re going to hold one industry to a standard, why not all industries?"

What do you think you will do better or differently than the candidate running against you if elected?

"I think that I have more recent experience with the local issues that this region experiences. It’s time for new ideas and fresh faces in Augusta that more closely represent the constituents of this district. One thing that I learned while on the Windham Town Council is that in some cases “experience” also means locked into an ideology that was not beneficial to the council or the town. As Windham residents noticed (snd voted) once there were a few changes in the council there was a improvement of productivity. This district needs that change in Augusta as well."

What are the greatest economic, cultural, and social strengths of this community in your opinion, and how will you support those strengths if elected?

"Socially, these are large towns with a small-town feel. Having Raymond students in Windham Schools and Windham schools going to Westbrook schools for certain parts of their education provides an opportunity for students to meet each other. The amount of social integration of the schools, allow kids to have contacts they may not have if there were distinct school districts. These towns are experiencing growth at rates not seen before, that influx of new residents provides social and cultural change. Economically, our recreational opportunities with the lakes and being in the vicinity of major ski areas as well, provide a huge economic benefit to these towns. I believe the area could benefit from a unified economic development plan. Each town in this district is the gateway to another town. Working together economically would benefit the district. Culturally, we have various amateur theatre groups, popular recreation programs and various sports leagues that bring members of each community together."

If elected, which legislative committees would you like to serve on?

"Public Safety, Criminal Justice and Transportation."

What specific ideas and proposals do you have to alleviate Maine’s housing crisis?

"Housing is a supply and demand issue. Costs to build and maintain housing have nearly doubled. With the lack of good paying jobs in the state it makes housing unaffordable. During the last session the legislature passed legislation that provides some solutions to the current situation. While it’s too early to tell what effect that will have on some facets of the housing situation, it will be interesting to see what impact that could have. Using federal housing grants to issue bonds to incentivize the development of workforce housing could be helpful. Unfortunately, because of material costs and labor shortages what would have built 200 units of housing just 5 years ago may only permit the construction of 120 units. 
I would work with stakeholders in this issue to determine what the best path is to alleviate this crisis."

Maine House District 107 preview

Former State Representative Jane Pringle, a Democrat, left, is
vying for the Maine House District 107 seat against
Republican newcomer Michael Hall. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

ELECTION 2022 CANDIDATE Q&A

(Unedited for grammar and spelling and exactly as answered and submitted by each candidate.)  

Michael Hall

Maine House District 107, Republican
Occupation: Project Manager/Supervisor of biotechnology company; Co-owner of Maine Lash Girl, LLC
Previous Elected Experience: None

Why are you running for this position and please be specific.

"Our state has too much to lose; inflation and the economy are affecting everyday life and out-of-control government spending. I can no longer sit on my couch."

What's the very first bill you will introduce if you are elected to serve in the Maine Legislature?

"I would introduce a tax reduction bill. This tax reduction would allow people to keep more money, thus helping to fight inflation."

Please share your thoughts about the parent's rights movement in Maine education.

"Any parent requesting information from a school board, or anyone involved in their child's education, should be provided information without any question. Parents want the schools to have transparency. Teachers and school boards should welcome input from parents, and parental notification of certain things should be a regular part of the process. Parents' rights are not a 'movement' but an expectation."

What three things have you accomplished to benefit this community in the past three years?

"I volunteer with and support veterans most weeks. I work with a recovery group to understand the issues and how they affect the community."

Would you support legislation to require dairies to test milk for PFAS contaminants before it is sold to Maine consumers and if so, why is this important to the residents of Windham?

"I would not support legislation at this time. We need additional scientific information before we add any mandate or regulation. However, I would recommend that we continually review the studies of PFAS. The studies are ongoing, and we can revisit the subject if we find conclusive evidence."

What do you think you will do better or differently than the candidate running against you if elected?

"I will support Maine Business and work to make the state more accessible for starting a new business. During her last tenure in the House, she was rated poorly by the Maine Economic Research Institute (24%) and the National Federation of Independent Business - Maine (0%)."

What are the greatest economic, cultural, and social strengths of this community in your opinion, and how will you support those strengths if elected?

I believe one of the greatest economic strengths of Windham is the Route 302 corridor. Route 302 allows Windham to be near the larger economic centers of Maine, Westbrook, and Portland while also being an ideal path for tourists traveling to the lakes. I will support any infrastructure needs on the State level to increase the attractiveness of large and small businesses. The cultural and social strengths of Windham are its people. We have the type of community like a small town; everyone feels like a neighbor. I will support legislation allowing people to keep their money and be able to stay in the state and town."

If elected, which legislative committees would you like to serve on?

"I would like to serve on Taxation, Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services, Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business."

What specific ideas and proposals do you have to alleviate Maine's housing crisis?

"I would look at the supply and demand breaks and analyze how best to adjust them. I believe that government programs have broken the supply side by providing generous housing assistance. For example, In Portland, due to this assistance, I believe landlords took advantage of these subsidies to increase their rents, knowing that the state would guarantee that the rents are at the maximum. This artificial increase in rent worsens the housing problem. Now, more people cannot afford rent and either ask for assistance or move out of the area, which lowers the supply in other places."

Jane Pringle

Maine House District 107, Democrat
Occupation: Retired Primary Care Physician and Physician Educator
Previous Elected Experience: State Representative, Windham 2012 to 2014

Why are you running for this position and please be specific.

"I see government as us working together to solve problems that are hard to solve by ourselves, and which we can solve better by working together. Right now we’re facing a lot of challenges in Maine that we can’t solve unless we work together. From the housing crisis, to women’s rights, to Washington-style politics coming to Maine, there’s a lot to tackle. Watching from the sidelines of retirement I’ve grown more and more concerned about the world my grandchildren are inheriting. I realized that if I want something to change, I have a responsibility to make it change, so I decided it was time to run again."

What’s the very first bill you will introduce if you are elected to serve in the Maine Legislature?

"I will introduce a bill that will provide universal health insurance for everyone in Maine."

Please share your thoughts about the parent’s rights movement in Maine education.

"At our dinner table each night my parents regularly asked me and my brothers what we had learned in school that day. My dad often asked questions to better understand what we had learned. He would also ask questions to help us see what we had learned from a different point of view. Parents are important teachers of their children, but most of us need help educating our children–I know my husband and I did! A comprehensive public education that prepares students to succeed not just in work, but also as a member of our democracy, is something that every community member benefits from. Though public schools aren’t the right fit for every child or family, Windham has excellent schools, strengthened by parent involvement in the School Board, and the Parent Teacher Association. That Community-Parent-School partnership has led to Windham having some of the best schools in the state (recently ranked in the top twenty of Maine’s 117 school districts)."

What three things have you accomplished to benefit this community in the past three years?

"My husband Jim and I contribute to our church, which supports our community in multiple ways; are members of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust, which maintains many trails for the community to enjoy; and support Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors to provide heating assistance to Windham families in need."

Would you support legislation to require dairies to test milk for PFAS contaminants before it is sold to Maine consumers and if so, why is this important to the residents of Windham?

"Yes. We are learning that PFAS can cause harm if present at certain levels and that they are widely present. When PFAS are found elevated we need to provide support to our local farmers to help remediate the problem."

What do you think you will do better or differently than the candidate running against you if elected?

"As a physician, I spent my career helping people find solutions to difficult issues, and helping them to find hope and calm in the face of challenges. As a physician educator, I had to support others in developing skills and practices that would consistently lead to positive outcomes. As a legislator, I worked collaboratively with members of all parties to deliver real results to my neighbors. As a returning legislator, I will help our town and our state find solutions to the difficult issues we’re all facing, support legislation that will lead to positive outcomes for all of us, and deliver real results for our town."

What are the greatest economic, cultural, and social strengths of this community in your opinion, and how will you support those strengths if elected?

"Windham is a regional leader in business, conservation, and providing a work-life balance that long-term residents love and new residents are drawn to. Our town’s ability to balance the need for industry, small business, farming, housing, and play, is unique. The ways our community comes together to help each other (our amazing food pantry, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and so many more) demonstrate our ingenuity and resolve to make sure our community is healthy. If elected I would work with our community leaders to support their work, and ensure that the work done in Augusta reflects the values of Windham voters and supports our community."

If elected, which legislative committees would you like to serve on?

"Health Coverage, Insurance & Financial Services or Health and Human Services."

What specific ideas and proposals do you have to alleviate Maine’s housing crisis?

"When someone working full time is unable to find housing and is homeless, something is wrong. The high cost of housing, and stagnant wages have left many young, working, and elderly people in precarious situations. To solve the housing crisis, we have to start with jobs that pay a livable wage, increase the amount of housing that’s available, and ensure that Maine families, not big investors, are able to buy the homes they need. Solving our housing problems will require collaboration of private and public (town, state and federal) entities. I will seek the input of others and look to examples of approaches that have worked elsewhere."

Maine House District 106 preview

Republican Barbara Bagshaw is opposed for the Maine House
District 106 seat in the November election by Democrat 
Dana Reed. SUBMITTED PHOTOS 

ELECTION 2022 CANDIDATE Q&A

(Unedited for grammar and spelling and exactly as answered and submitted by each candidate.)  

Barbara Bagshaw

Republican, Maine House District 106
Occupation: I’ve been an educator/nanny for 25 years.
Previous Elected Experience: (Although not elected,) I was appointed to serve as President of an Arts non-profit for 10 years

Why are you running for this position and please be specific.

"I’m running because I’m concerned about the direction our state is taking. We need to rein in government spending, Government overreach and bring down taxes. I’ve put my life on hold to help bring change, to be part of the change that I want to see. I also want to be responsive the needs of people in my district. I absolutely oppose consecutive emergency powers that have literally lasted years."

What’s the very first bill you will introduce if you are elected to serve in the Maine Legislature?

"I don’t have a particular bill to introduce, but would support bills supporting the platform I am running on."

Please share your thoughts about the parent’s rights movement in Maine education.

"I don’t really see it as a “parental rights movement”. Parental rights are just that. (parents are waking up to their rights being eroded, it’s very simple). Parents are the main stakeholders and their children lives and that needs to be respected and honored. Parents absolutely need to have a say in their children’s education."

What three things have you accomplished to benefit this community in the past three years?

"I grow a lot of food that I share with my friends and neighbors. I love and appreciate when I see other people doing the same, sharing with people in need. During these challenging economic times especially, we need to look out for each other. I donate my art work to help raise money for causes that I support. I also practice, on a regular basis, random acts of anonymous kindness and generosity to benefit others."

Would you support legislation to require dairies to test milk for PFAS contaminants before it is sold to Maine consumers and if so, why is this important to the residents of Windham?

"I think there needs to be a lot more research into PFAS. It’s very important that people are looking into PFAS. Much more of this essential research needs to be done. Farmers have already been hit hard. More regulations and fees will drive them out of bussiness, if they haven’t folded yet. If testing is required the cost should not be put-on the farmer. Keep in mind, it was the government who caused this problem by selling ‘cheap’ fertilizer only to find out years later it was toxic. The government must mitigate the problem and cover any cost."

What do you think you will do better or differently than the candidate running against you if elected?

"My original Democrat opponent dropped out a couple months ago and my current opponent jumped in. When I was asked to run for house last November, I took a couple of weeks to consider it. I knew that it would mean working tirelessly all year in this direction with no pay. The position is that important me and to our state. We are at a crossroads. The budget in Maine has gone up over $1 billion in the past few years under the current administration. It’s unsustainable. If we weren’t being propped up on federal funds, our state’s economy would be circling the drain. I am fiscally responsible. I have no debt, I’ve never never paid a penny of interest on a credit card. My house is paid for. When I needed a roof I saved the money and put a roof on. When I needed windows I saved the money and put the windows in upstairs. The next year I did the downstairs. I think the government needs to function more that way. If they don’t have the money don’t spend it. For example, we need to ease up on regulations for small business so that they can survive and thrive. We need to stop over taxing Mariners… They’re crying uncle just trying to make ends meet. I have been knocking on doors, almost daily, since January applying for this job. I’ve almost hit every door in my district. I’m committed. I don’t want a title, I don’t want to sit in the seat. I want to serve, I want to be boots-on-the-ground to be part of the change that I want to see."

What are the greatest economic, cultural, and social strengths of this community in your opinion, and how will you support those strengths if elected?

"Windham is made up of a core of people that have been in this community for generations. This core has resonated through Windham with the genuine desire to form a community with all the residents. The economic backbone of Windham is small business. Windham's community social and cultural strength lies largely in school sports and the arts, such as high-performing high school teams, and Windham Chamber Singers, respectively. We also gather at town recreational sports and facilities like the skate park and basketball courts to develop our youth, we have a robust community garden, and a positive relationship between our police officers and our community. We help those in need through a mix of public and private efforts including The Windham Food Pantry, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and PowerServe, to name a few. I will support small business and small business owners and continue to have a dialogue with them on how we can best serve and support them. I will also continue to support the cultural and social strentghs of Windham."

If elected, which legislative committees would you like to serve on?

"I would be interested in serving on education and cultural affairs, committee on taxation, and conservation and forestry."

What specific ideas and proposals do you have to alleviate Maine’s housing crisis?

"I think we need to take care of our own first. The housing crisis in Maine is affecting Windham residents and a lot of Mainers. I think we need to support Maine people and help them with housing before we take care of people who come into our country illegally. It’s untenable. There is a process in place which needs to be followed in order to come into our country. We cannot afford to absorb all these people pouring over our border and we know nothing about them. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been to 24 countries as an international speaker and relief worker. I am compassionate, kind and I love all people."

Dana Reed
Democrat, Maine House District 106
Occupation: US Navy, Captain (O-6) Retired, Ordained Minister, United Church of Christ
Previous Elected Experience: None

Why are you running for this position and please be specific:

"I have lived a life of service to several communities throughout Maine as a public school teacher, pastor, and Navy chaplain in many locations across our country and the world. My life has always been about service to others and how I can help improve our human condition and the communities we live in. Throughout my Navy career, I constantly embraced the challenges each new position would present. I have thoroughly enjoyed my service to others at home and abroad. When I learned that Representative Mark Bryant was unable to run for another term, I knew it was my turn to run. I am excited about the possibility of serving this community I love in a new way."

What’s the very first bill you will introduce if you are elected to serve in the Maine Legislature?

"Over months of having one-on-one conversations with my neighbors, consistently three items were brought up: if they can afford their home, if our democracy will survive for their kids and grandkids, and how hard it is to get the healthcare they need. I’ve heard from several people undergoing cancer treatments costing $4,000 or more who were denied by their insurance company. I’ve sat at peoples’ kitchen tables and seen on paper how they were dragged through the process of denial in a very de-humanizing manner. My first bill? I would seek to craft legislation that ensures all Mainers get first-rate health care that they can afford."

Please share your thoughts about the parent’s rights movement in Maine education.

"I began my professional life after college as a certified, K-12, music educator in Maine public schools. Both of my parents were teachers in Maine public schools, with my father having served on his local steering committee. I married into a family of proud public school educators. In the following years of service to several communities as a pastor, I kept myself involved by volunteering and remaining active in promoting the local public schools. In all of those communities to this present day in the RSU#14 Windham-Raymond school, I unequivocally support the work of not only the district’s administrators, teacher, staff and students, but the school boards and the tireless work and service they provide to educate and keep our schools safe. Parents play an important role in our schools, and that role is already well-crafted, supported, and protected by existing law. School boards, administration, as well as Parent Teacher groups, have served us well."

What are the three things you have accomplished to benefit this community in the past three years?

"In my retirement I’ve enjoyed teaching music classes every semester through Windham-Raymond Adult Ed. Over the last six years, I’ve taught a ukulele course both fall and spring semester to classes of nearly two dozen or more students in each course. As a spin-off of my ukulele classes, I’ve led a monthly jam session at Pat’s Pizza where we’d play through a dozen or more songs. Each month when we met, I asked people to contribute canned and non-perishable goods to the Windham Food Pantry. We were recognized by the town for having contributed over 3,000 pounds of food, including often neglected pet foods and much-needed toilet paper. Since retiring I also served as the chaplain to Windham Post 148 of the American Legion chapter in Windham for several years. Prior to retiring I provided pastoral services to the Public Safety Department, serving as their go-to clergy person for crisis calls, staff support, and memorials and helped found 'Be The Influence,' a youth drug awareness and prevention program and participated in two of RSU 14’s long-range planning."

Would you support legislation to require dairies to test milk for PFAS contaminants before it is sold to Maine consumers and if so, why is this important to the residents of Windham?

"Locally, Oakhurst Dairy of Portland requires its dairies to test for PFAS. Maine is already leading the nation in setting standards for PFAS levels in milk, and in testing that we’re already doing. As a state, we owe it to local dairy farmers, and farmers in general, to remediate the harm PFAS contamination has caused to them and to consumers."

What do you think you will do better or differently than the candidate running against you if elected?

"On every Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard deployment - teamwork was emphasized and re-emphasized and impressed upon us again: When you’re out in the middle of the ocean, you have to work together or the ship will go down. Over the course of my career I learned how to work with the people around me no matter who that person is, what their opinions are, and most importantly, how dire the situation was that we faced. We are facing some big challenges as a country, a state, and a town. During my deployments, I worked in settings across the world where challenges seemed insurmountable at first glance. But, with teamwork we were able to accomplish our goals. My ability to lead and work as a team were recognized by then Lieutenant General James Mattis (later Secretary of Defense), and Admiral Thad Allen, Commandant of the Coast Guard. That ability to work alongside the people around me is what I want to bring to Augusta for the people of Windham. I’ll work with residents to understand the issues they’re facing. I’ll work with other legislators to keep Maine a leader in our country, and Windham a leader in Maine."

What are the greatest economic, cultural, and social strength of this community in your opinion, and how will you support those strengths if elected?

"I served the North Windham Union Church, a congregation of the United Church of Christ for thirteen years, from 2000 to 2013. In that amount of time, I married over 300 couples and laid to rest over 300 people. Besides attending to the pastoral and spiritual needs of the congregation, the North Windham Union Church’s central location led to counseling hundreds of community members over the years. Being called to this type of life is never easy, but I’ve always counted it a blessing for what people have shared about their lives and the town we all live in. This town is inhabited by hard-working people proud of their past who take great pride in what they do (and play-hard when the opportunity arises!). The richness of Windham’s history and culture is evidenced in its longevity as a town, predating constitutional America, to its embrace of the gifts and diversity of those seeking the American way of life from around the world. Combine that all with a first-rate school system and you have a formula for economic growth coupled with cultural and social opportunities to spare. We were recently ranked the number 5 zip code in the nation for retail home sales. It's no secret that people want to live, work, and play here. I would see my main legislative focus as supporting small businesses at the state level to thrive, making sure that government agencies serve and promote the local business interests. I would seek to ensure the natural beauty and recreational resources that have attracted hundreds of individuals and families to make this location their home. As I have demonstrated throughout my professional life, our schools would continue to be a source of pride as they continue to produce students whose vocational aspirations fill the local and state workforce with the highest quality technical and professional workers."

If elected, which legislative committee would you like to serve on?

"Veterans and Legal Affairs."

What specific ideas and proposals do you have to alleviate Maine’s housing crisis?

"Most states haven’t kept their housing supply up to meet demand. Much of the problem can be attributed to a shift in federal tax policy over the past twenty or so years. For years federal tax policy favored higher income home buyers. While we can’t reform federal policies from Augusta, we can work to support lower income individuals and families as they seek housing. For example, we could pursue policies that would shift mortgage interest deductions, which favor higher income buyers, to allowing a portion of those deductions to become direct cash, which helps working families. We need to make sure state and federal programs are aimed at first-time homeownership so working people can compete in the current market. That would help more Maine people buy homes, so all Maine’s properties aren’t owned by out of state investment companies. Housing affordability shouldn’t have to come before our need for healthy, active farmlands. Agricultural land matters in Maine, and we need to recognize this in all housing policies we support."