Voters to decide fate of five statewide referendums on ballot

By Ed Pierce

There are five statewide referendum questions on the November 2024 General Election ballot and voters across Maine will determine if they pass or fail.

Here in Maine, citizens have the power to initiate state statutes and to veto state referendums. Voters approved a constitutional amendment for initiative and referendum powers in Maine in 1908.

For a citizen’s initiative to make the 2024 ballot as a Maine referendum, the number of valid signatures required for an initiative to make the ballot is equal to 10 percent of votes cast for governor in the previous gubernatorial election.

The Maine Legislature can also place statewide ballot measures in the form of constitutional amendments and state statutes on the ballot. The most common form of this type of referred statute are statewide bond issues.

Maine is one of 16 states that requires a two-thirds vote in each legislative chamber during one legislative session to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 101 votes in the Maine House of Representatives and 24 votes in the Maine Senate. These types of constitutional amendments do not require the governor's signature to be placed on the ballot.

Statutes, including bond issues, require a simple majority vote in each legislative chamber during one legislative session and the governor's signature to appear on the ballot.

The Maine Constitution also requires that state bonds exceeding $2 million be placed on the ballot for voter approval.

Here are this year’s five statewide referendum initiatives for 2024:

QUESTION 1: An Act to Limit Contributions to Political Action Committees That Make Independent Expenditures. Do you want to set a $5,000 limit for giving to political action committees that spend money independently to support or defeat candidates for office?

QUESTION 2: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue for Research and Development and Commercialization. Do you favor a bond issue of $25,000,000 to provide funds, to be awarded through a competitive process and to leverage matching private and federal funds on at least a one-to-one basis, for research and development and commercialization for Maine-based public and private institutions in support of technological innovation in the targeted sectors of life sciences and biomedical technology, environmental and renewable energy technology, information technology, advanced technologies for forestry and agriculture, aquaculture and marine technology, composites and advanced materials and precision manufacturing?

QUESTION 3: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Restore Historic Community Buildings. Do you favor a $10,000,000 bond issue to restore historic buildings owned by governmental and nonprofit organizations, with funds being issued contingent on a 25 percent local match requirement from either private or nonprofit sources?

QUESTION 4: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Promote the Design, Development and Maintenance of Trails for Outdoor Recreation and Active Transportation. Do you favor a $30,000,000 bond issue to invest in the design, development and maintenance for nonmotorized, motorized and multi-use trails statewide, to be matched by at least $3,000,000 in private and public contributions?

QUESTION 5: An Act to Restore the Former State of Maine Flag. Do you favor making the former state flag, replaced as the official flag of the State in 1909 and commonly known as the Pine Tree Flag, as the official flag of the State?

The order of referendum questions on the November 2024 General Election ballot was established through a public lottery held by Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Maine Deputy Secretary of State for Corporations, Elections and Commissions Julie Flynn in July.

Under Maine Law, questions must be arranged in the following order: carry-over measures from a previous election; people's veto questions; initiated measures; bond issues; constitutional amendments; and other legislatively proposed referenda. Within each grouping, questions must be arranged in a random order determined by a selection process conducted in public. All questions must be numbered sequentially on ballots distributed to voters. <

VFW’s annual essay competition for students opens

By Ed Pierce

Two popular essay competitions for students sponsored by Windham’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10643 are back and promise up to a $35,000 college scholarship to the national winner.

Windham VFW Post 10643 is sponsoring the Patriot's Pen
and Voice of Democracy essay competitions for students
in grades 6 to 12. The deadline to submit an entry this
year is Oct. 31. COURTESY IMAGE  

This year’s VFW Patriot's Pen and the VFW Voice of Democracy essay competitions are open to any student in the area in grades 6 to 12, said VFW Post 10643 Commander Willie Goodman.

The topic for grades 6 to 8 is "My Voice in America’s Democracy" and the topic for grades 9 to 12 is "Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?"

Goodman said that the Patriot's Pen essay competition is open to all middle school students from Windham and Raymond attending Windham Middle School, Jordan-Small Middle School in Raymond, Windham Christian Academy, Baxter Academy for Technology and Science, and other public and private schools and home-schooled students, in grades 6 to 8. Middle school students are invited to write a 300- to 400-word essay about this year's theme and what it specifically means to them.

He said that the Voice of Democracy competition is open to all high school students from Windham and Raymond, in grades 9 to 12, including those who are home-schooled. Students are asked to write and record a 3- to 5-minute essay (on an audio CD) on this year's theme and the meaning it holds for them.

“Students in the Windham area and surrounding towns are all welcome to participate and are given the opportunity to compete in these VFW annual essay competitions with a chance to win thousands of dollars in college scholarships in either competition,” Goodman said. “This VFW-sponsored youth essay competition encourages students to use their minds and knowledge of America’s history and their experience of today’s American society to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme.”

The first-place VFW state winner for Maine in each competition receives a four-day trip to Washington, D.C.

The first-place winner nationally receives $5,000 for the Patriot's Pen winning essay and the first-place winning essay nationally for the Voice of Democracy receives a $35,000 college scholarship.

According to Goodman, students begin on the path for a national title competing at the local post level here in Windham. The VFW Post 10643 winners then advance to compete at the district-level. District winners compete in the VFW’s annual state competition while trying to secure a berth in the national competition next spring.

“These scholarships are dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation,” Goodman said.

Each year, more than 72,000 students in grades 6 to 8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards. The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society and express their own unique viewpoints.

Established in 1947, the VFW’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with a special opportunity to express themselves in a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 48,000 students in grades 9 to 12 from across the country enter the “Voice of Democracy” contest to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.

The deadline for all student essay entries in Windham this year is Oct. 31, Goodman said.

Interested students and/or teachers with questions about the contests should contact VFW Post 10643 by phone at 207-228-4329. Entries may be submitted to VFW Post 10643 by mailing them to P.O. Box 1776, Windham, Maine 04062.

Local winners will be announced during the annual Veterans Day Observance at the Windham Veterans Center on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. <

Windham’s annual Trunk or Treat event promises spooky fun

By Masha Yurkevich

As the leaves change color and the weather gets cooler, preparations begin for a social and fun annual event for Windham: Trunk or Treat. This year, the event will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 in the parking lot behind the Windham Mall off Route 302.

This year Trunk or Treat in Windham will be from 5:30 to
8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 in thre parking lot located behind
the Windham Mall. Participants must register for the
free event at windhamrecreation.com
SUBMITTED PHOTO

“Since 1999 the Town of Windham put together an annual Halloween event for kids called ‘Halloween Adventure’,” says Kelsey Crowe, Deputy Director for the Windham Parks and Recreation Department in Windham. “This event continued until the first Trunk or Treat was created in 2016, and it was a great way to get more families, local businesses and organizations involved in the event as trunk hosts. As the event grew, we moved from Manchester School to Windham Middle School and by 2019 we outgrew Windham Middle School. We had to move the event to the parking lot behind the Windham Mall and each year the event grows, and we continue to add to it to make it fun and excited for the kids.”

As the Parks and Rec Deputy Director, Crowe is responsible for planning and organizing the larger community events for Windham like Trunk or Treat.

“Of course, our events would not be successful without the help of my director Linda Brooks, thee Parks and Recreation staff, local businesses and organizations and volunteers from the community,” she says.

Trunk or Treat has become a popular event nationwide, either as an alternative to or in addition to conventional trick-or-treating at neighborhood homes.

According to Crowe, for those who choose to host a trunk, they decorate and serve candy out of the trunk of their vehicles. For the businesses and community organizations that participate, it is a way to spotlight their mission and give back to their communities. For individual families it is often their way to give candy to trunk-or-treaters who might not otherwise visit them if their homes are in a rural setting, or they just want to have fun.

Crowe said the trunks are judged for creativity, originality and effort, and it is amazing to see what some of the trunks end up looking like. With the arrival of COVID-19 in 2020, they were forced to modify the event to be a Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat at the Windham Mall. Since then, the event has been growing and is guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind event this year.

The evening promises to be lots of fun and participants should expect an enjoyable, family-friendly event with lots of inflatables, spooky trunks and treats for everyone.

“This is a wonderful community event that brings so many different groups together to celebrate Halloween in a safe way,” Crowe said. “We do ask that participants pre-register so we have a better idea of how much candy the trunk hosts will need. Registration and information about the event can be found at https://windhamme.myrec.com/.”

This event is most certainly worth attending, she said.

“Personally, this is my favorite event of the year, not only because of all the lights, decorated trunks, inflatables and its fun for the whole family, but this event brings our community together,” says Crowe. “Local organizations and businesses decorate trucks and pass out candy, such as the Windham Police Department, Fire Rescue, Library, Summerfest, Drifters Snowmobile Club, Windham Raymond SACC, Girl Scouts of Maine, Lions Club, Varsity Cheerleading, Cumberland County Federal Credit Union, Maine Community Bank, and many more. It's a great way for these local business and organizations to connect with their local community members.”

Attendance for the event is free and all who want to be a part of the Trunk of Treat are asked to register at https://windhamme.myrec.com/.”<

Presumpscot Regional Land Trust celebrates exceptional year in conservation

By Abby Wilson

Presumpscot Regional Land Trust (PRLT) celebrated an extraordinary year in conservation last month during its annual meeting at Randall Orchards in Standish.

At its annual meeting at Randall Orchards in Standish,
members and supporters of the Presumpscot Regional
Land Trust celebrated accomplishments achieved
by the organization in 2024. PHOTO BY ABBY WILSON

Nearly 70 people were in attendance to listen to PRLT staff and board members speak about the past fiscal year for the land trust and all their accomplishments.

One major highlight is the opening of the East Windham Conservation Area, which is 700 acres, roughly the size of Bradbury State Park and features eight miles of multi-use trails.

Will Sedlack, PRLT Executive Director, said that the opening of this property is a major milestone for our community.

“This was more than just a ribbon cutting,” Sedlack said. “It was the culmination of years of hard work and collaboration, demonstrating what’s possible when municipalities and land trusts work together for the benefit of communities.”

Toby Jacobs, PRLT Program Manager, reviewed trail projects and stewardship of conserved lands saying that with the East Windham Conservation Area work finishing up, the organization’s focus has shifted.

The Rivermeadow Preserve, adjacent to downtown Westbrook, has a trailhead at the Cornelia Warren four season rink on Lincoln Street. Trail construction is underway for a 1.5 mile accessible trail and boardwalk there.

“The first 300 feet of that trail are going to be boardwalk to a viewpoint and that will be a fully ADA accessible trail” says Jacobs.

Deer Woods Preserve in Gorham is another new trail project for PRLT. It is located a mile southeast of downtown Gorham on Day Road. Originally owned and donated to the trust by Kathleen Ashely, the property will feature a short half-mile loop trail.

By the spring, Jacobs said that both of these trail projects will be completed, and grand opening events will be scheduled.

Brenna Crothers, PRLT Community Engagement Manager, reported on the outreach efforts of the organization.

Several programs focused on youth education including story times and vernal pool exploration.

In partnership with Gulf of Maine Research Institute, the land trust created an alewife migration guide.

“The hope for the future is that we will be able to bring that into some of the local schools and get some more field trips out on the trails,” Crothers said.

PRLT’s Summer Trail Challenge numbers reflected an increase in participants. Nearly 250 people completed this year’s Summer Trail Challenge, an increase from the initiative’s first year. In total there were 71 registered families with children, ranging from one to five kids who participated. The ages ranged from infants to 15 years old.

Most of the participants of the Trail Challenge were from Windham, with many others from Portland, Westbrook, and Gorham. Some traveled from as far away as Lewiston, Naples, or Newcastle to participate, Crothers said.

Land trust staff also discussed the organization’s future goals during the meeting.

A Story Walk at Rivermeadow Preserve in Westbrook in partnership with Walker Memorial Library is a future educational project.

“We are hoping to provide some story walks with books in multiple languages which will be a new resource that we have never done before,” said Crothers.

Sedlack spoke of the land trust’s intentions to focus on accessibility. Rivermeadow and Mill Brook Preserve, in particular, were mentioned.

“Our focus on making sure Rivermeadow is accessible ties into one of my guiding principles as Executive Director. Accessible design is good design, that supports us in every stage of our life, ensuring that we can all enjoy nature” said Sedlack.

Migratory fish species will also be a future focus.

“We decided we needed to do more with the alewives. More people needed to know about how incredible it is, how unique it is, how this is a story of reemergence” Sedlack said.

Frame Media is in the process of producing a film about alewives. Currently a trailer can be viewed on the PRLT YouTube page. Stay tuned for the finished product.

With so much going on and many opportunities for conservation, PRLT has asked the community to participate in this ongoing strategic planning process.

At the meeting, an activity was completed where attendees were asked to identify which issues were most important to them. Topics included preserving environmentally and recreationally valuable lands, effective stewardship of land, sustainable impact expansion, and welcoming and responsive community engagement.

This activity and a community survey which ended on Oct. 14, will provide insight for the land trust’s future and its priorities.

“We need your guidance on where to invest,” says Sedlack.

PRLT welcomes the community to be engaged, explore the trails, attend an educational program, volunteer, or donate to make an impact today.

To learn more about Presumpscot Regional Land Trust visit www.prlt.org. <

In the public eye: Social Studies teacher changes lives through work at Windham Middle School

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

By Ed Pierce

It’s said a good education can change anyone, but a great teacher can change everything. Put RSU 14’s Doug Elder in that latter category.

Doug Elder, a Social Studies teacher at 
Windham Middle School, has taught at the 
school since 2016 and also heads up the 
annual 'Taking Back Maine's Future'
spring event at WMS, an innovative
program for seventh graders working to
overcome Maine's Opioid Crisis.  

Elder, the Social Studies Teacher for Team 207 at Windham Middle School, has devoted his life to teaching his students content and concepts related to culture, history, economics, geography, and government and is an exceptional role model and mentor for students entering the formative years of life.

He also heads up the annual "Taking Back Maine's Future" spring event, an innovative program for seventh graders striving to overcome Maine's Opioid crisis. The intent of the program is to empower students to combat Maine’s opioid crisis from every possible angle.

Students use current data analysis and research to examine the impacts of Maine's opioid crisis and make predictions about what the state might look like in the future from two differing perspectives, one where real solutions to the state's crippling opioid epidemic are found and end the crisis before it gets worse, or another with a future in which the current trends of opioid addiction and overdose continue to grow.

According to Elder, the best aspect of teaching at the middle school level is that he has an opportunity to connect with kids and their families in the community.

“I like being part of their lives in a crucially important stage in personal development,” he said.

Originally from Windham, Elder attended Windham Middle School himself and went on to graduate from Windham High School in 1996. He then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education with a focus in American Studies from the University of Maine Farmington.

“Both of my parents spent most of their teaching careers in Windham, so I guess they feel that the apple has not landed far from the tree,” Elder said. “I think that they are glad that I get to teach a good deal of local history, which is truly fascinating and action-packed stuff when you really dig into it.”

He’s taught at WMS since 2016 and prior to that, Elder was a Fifth and Sixth Grade teacher at Jordan-Small Middle School in Raymond and he also taught Fifth Grade at Songo Locks School in Naples.

According to Elder, the most challenging part of his job is paperwork, and all the associated record-keeping tasks involved in working for a school.

“The clerical aspects of the job have never been my strong suit,” he said. “The biggest misconception people may have about my work is that we must be crazy and willing to hang out with middle schoolers all day long. Maybe that's only partially a misconception?”

Landing a teaching job at Windham Middle School fulfilled a long-standing dream for Elder.

“Teaching at WMS had been my hope for a long time,” he said. “It's been the place I wanted to land in teaching forever. My alma mater.”

Having worked at WMS for eight years, Elder says he can’t pinpoint one moment that stands out the most for him, rather he values humorous times with his students.

“I don't have a great memory, but pretty much every day I can find a reason to laugh with my students would be memorable,” he said. “As any adult can recall, middle school is a very strange time in life, full of crazy experiences. It's fun to be there to help kids navigate all that weirdness. At least most of the time it is.”

For Elder, one thing that the public may not know about his job is that it’s more than academics.

“As important as academics are, it is really just a vehicle by which good teachers connect with kids, support their growth in building good habits, character traits, and crucial people skills which will hopefully serve them well in all aspects of their future, whatever they choose to do in the world,” he said.

And above everything else, Elder says he has learned one significant thing from his time as a teacher at Windham Middle School.

“There’s a statement ‘nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care’ and I have learned how much truth there is in that,” he said. <

Riding To The Top to celebrate ‘Team RTT’ at Triple B event

The Riding To The Top Therapeutic Riding Center is will hosting the 16th Annual Triple B ~ Boots, Band and BBQ event from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 at 14 Lilac Drive in Windham.

A Riding To The Top Therapeutic Riding
Center client and her volunteer riding team
walk with a member of the RTT herd, a 
horse called Paxton. SUBMITTED PHOTO   

RTT Development Director Kelly Johnson said that this year’s event will celebrate “Team RTT,” and all the different ways that this manifests at the farm, from riding teams to volunteers to staff to client families to paddock mates.

At the event RTT pays tribute to the people, horses, businesses and organizations that have helped sustain Riding To The Top since its beginning in 1993, Johnson said.

Organizers for the Oct. 19 event have a goal of raising $200,000 to support Financial Aid for RTT’s clients and Horse Care.

The evening will feature Schilly’s mouthwatering barbecue, a Mission Based Auction, dancing to the live music of local favorite “Under The Covers,” a fantastic raffle, photo booth, boot contests and door prizes. Michelle Taylor of 99.9 THE WOLF will return to emcee and auctioneer Elizabeth Ross Holmstrom will call the unique mission-based auction.

This annual “Party with a Purpose” plays a vital role in RTT’s ability to provide equine-assisted services for local children and adults with disabilities.

Sarah Bronson, RTT’s Executive Director, shared that “this event has become a community favorite. While raising critical funds to support RTT’s programs and most notably our Rider and Horse Funds, it’s also an incredibly fun evening for our guests, including some time meeting our horses, enjoying delicious food, music and dancing!”

This year’s Triple B is supported by many local business partners led by our Grand Champion Sponsor, Portland Volvo, and Reserve Champion Sponsor, Norway Savings Bank.

\
If you’re interested in more information or reserving your tickets today, please visit: https://www.ridingtothetop.org/tripleb

About Riding to the Top

Riding To The Top Therapeutic Riding Center (RTT) was founded in 1993. Its mission is enhancing health and wellness through equine-assisted services. Located in Windham, RTT is the state’s only PATH International-accredited center (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) solely dedicated to Equine Assisted Services. More than 250 participants are impacted annually, assisted by certified instructors, a herd of 17 horses and close to 100 volunteers, all specially trained to assist with therapeutic riding, carriage driving and hippotherapy.

Riding To The Top is a community-based nonprofit, receives no federal or state funding and provides scholarships to over 60 percent of its clients.

For more information about client services, volunteering, or making a gift, please visit us at www.ridingtothetop.org or call 207-892-2813. <

Oratory Contest to test student public speaking ability

When asked after Ben Franklin left the Continental Congress, “What have you given us?” His response, “A Republic, if you can keep it.” At the 105th American Legion National Convention held in August, one of the hot topics was the lack of education of our youth in the areas of civics and government with 85 percent of students unable to site the three branches of government. Now, the American Legion’s key youth programs of Boys and Girls State and the Oratorical Program are opportunities for our youth to be immersed in our form of government.

Since 1938, the Oratorical Competition has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.

The American Legion Oratorical Program is a speech contest for students who welcome learning and for the student who looks for an academic challenge and an opportunity to gain scholarship funding, the Legion's High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is a natural fit. Students learn valuable information about our country's Constitution in a contest that has been held by The American Legion for more than 86 years.

The Field-Allen Post 148 in Windham and the American Legion National High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is once again underway. The program is a speech contest centered on the U.S. Constitution that provides winners with scholarship opportunities at all levels (Local-District-Department of Maine- National).

Contestants are asked to speak on a topic of their choice related to the U.S. Constitution for 8 to 10 minutes followed by a speech of about 3 to 5 minutes on a U. S. Constitution topic selected by the judges.

All high school students in Grades 9 to 12 in public high schools, private schools, parochial schools, military schools and home-schooled are invited to compete in the contest.

Contestants initially compete at the local Legion 148 Post level, with winners then advancing to a District contest, with the winner at District advancing to the State Finals in February. The Department of Maine winner will represent Maine at the National Contest in Indianapolis in April 2025 with the National organization funding round-trip tickets and lodging for both the contestant and a chaperone.

At the Post level, the winner will receive a $200 cash prize. At the State level, the first-place winner receives $1,500; second place $500; third place $300; and fourth place $125.

Students who compete in the National Contest will receive at least a $2,000 scholarship with the final competition winner receiving a $25,000 scholarship.

The State Oratorical Contest for Maine will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at Thomas College in Waterville.

The Post and District Contests will be held in December and January, with dates to be determined.

In Windham, the Field-Allen Post 148 will need contest application forms submitted by Dec. 1.

For additional details pertaining to the Legion’s Oratorical Contest in Maine, please contact your Guidance Officer at your school or the Field-Allen Post 148 Americanism Officer, John Facella at 978-799-8900 or visit the Post website at www.mepost148,org. You may also access info and entry forms at Department of Maine Headquarters at www.mainelegion.org <

Easy as pie: WHS Cooking Club promotes student culinary skills

By Jolene Bailey

Windham High School offers a plethora of clubs and extracurricular activities to promote engagement, responsibility, and involved citizenship in young students. But a new club this fall is about to foster a sense of community as students bond over preparing and sharing food together.

During the first meeting of the Windham High School
Cooking Club, student participants made an
apple crisp dessert. WIRESTOCK PHOTO

For the first time, WHS is offering a cooking club which meets once a month after school from 2:15 to 4 p.m. Club activities are designed to teach students a life skill that is essential to staying healthy and participants will gather and prepare a series of dishes while also learning about the science of food growing and meal preparation.

“Feeding yourself is one of the most fundamental skills of becoming an independent adult,” said Christine Fredette, WHS Cooking club advisor. “Health and wellness classes can only do so much, and some students do not choose to do culinary in a vocational program. But we believe learning to feed yourself and those around you with love is an essential skill.”

During a student's sophomore year, they have the option to sign up for vocational courses and one of those courses offered is culinary arts. In that class, students learn about food preparation, service, and presentation of meals, quantity food production, baking, table service, catering for community organizations, and cake decoration. Within that program, WHS students gain the ability to not only earn high school credits but also earn college credits. However, spots in the class are limited and fill up quickly.

This new WHS Cooking Club gives all students an opportunity to develop a basic understanding of how to cook healthy meals.

“I’m most excited about working together to instill a love of cooking and creating in the kitchen,” Fredette said. “Seeing what the students bring to this club will really make it.”

She said that as families everyday are actively getting busier, students are surrounded by fast-food options, quick and microwavable processed meals which promote nutrient-deficient foods. During health classes at WHS, nutrition is discussed, but students do not have the opportunity to put their knowledge of healthy eating into action during class time.

The club is open to any WHS student who wants to join, and any student interested in cooking. They’ll learn how to cut vegetables properly or why olive oil is preferred over vegetable oil when cooking in a pan because it has a lower smoking point temperature. Participants will learn about using a stove, how to bake in the oven and how to cook and prepare food safely.

Fredette said that the club’s first meeting on Oct. 1 established Standard Operating Procedures for students to follow in the kitchen and then they broke off into groups to find something to make for their first time together. WHS Cooking Club participants will also create a personal coat of arms to find out what they are looking for in this club experience.

Behind the scenes, Fredette says that she has put a lot of planning and preparation into the new club and expects it to be wildly popular among WHS students. The club’s purpose will focus on giving students simple instruction regarding how to prepare nutritious and tasty food.

Based on the number of student participants attending the first club meeting, Fredette said that next year the club may offer student positions such as president, vice president, and secretary for this activity.

“I’m hoping students will seek an understanding that cooking should not be seen as a chore and can be something fun,” said Fredette.

For more details about the new WHS Cooking Club you can email the advisors at mdubois@rsu14.org and cfredette@rsu14.org. <

Maine Senate District 26 Candidate Profiles and Q&A

Incumbent Democrat Tim Nangle, left, is being challenged
for the State Senate District 26 position by Republican
Kenny Cianchette in the Nov. 5 election.
SUBMITTED PHOTO  

Maine State Senate

District 26 Candidates

(Representing Windham, part of Raymond, Casco, Frye Island, and part of Westbrook)

TIM NANGLE

Democrat

Age/Occupation: 58 – Help desk technician.

Previous Elected Experience/Terms in Office: Two terms on the Windham Town Council and was elected to the 131st Legislature in the Maine Senate.

If an incumbent, please cite a bill you proposed or sponsored that was passed and signed into law by the governor and how it specifically benefits the residents of your district? If not currently serving in office, please detail legislation that you intend to propose and how it will benefit the residents of your district if enacted?

“LD2101 – This bill will allow for cities and towns to restrict or revoke the issuance of any municipally issued permit, which include building, plumbing or electrical permits and certificate of occupancy for property owners who have an ongoing shoreland zoning violation. Further, cities and towns will be able to place a lien on the property until any fines, court costs, fees are paid in full once those costs have been determined. Also, it requires the landowner to disclose the existence of an unresolved shoreland zoning violation to any potential buyers. Shoreland zoning statutes and rules are already in place but are often difficult to enforce; LD 2101 law will facilitate municipal enforcement of the law and allow for more transparency for homebuyers. This law has already assisted Raymond in getting compliance from a property owner who had an egregious violation.”

What do believe is the most pressing issue in this race and how do you intend to handle it?

“Housing, Housing and Housing. The high cost of housing has impacted renters and buyers all across the state. That’s why I supported expanding the affordable rental and ownership options, protecting mobile home park residents from eviction after a new owner takes over so they can stay in a place they’ve called home for years. I was also proud to support the Stable Homes program, which will offer emergency rental assistance to individuals at risk of eviction. Finally, I supported LD1422 to help students facing homelessness and a budget that invests $100m in other housing programs to create low income and workforce housing around the state.”

What solid steps do you believe can be implemented to alleviate the property tax burden for residents of your district and help them to keep more of their hard-earned money?

“Property taxes continue to go up in many communities in our district and across the state. Property taxes are the result of a combination of three things: a municipal budget, a school budget and the county budget. It is imperative that residents get involved in their municipal and state budgeting processes. Residents can attend the budget hearings, ask questions and make their values known; by encouraging state investment in programs at the municipal level, we can ensure that the municipality is not shouldered with an unfair burden that they pass to the taxpayers. It’s also important that the state ensure that the property tax burden is not inequitably distributed and does not become unaffordable for Mainers. This past legislative session, I supported, and we passed a bill to expand the Property Tax Fairness Credit, which will help older Mainers stay in their homes, by expanding eligibility and increasing the maximum benefit.”

Why did you choose to run for this specific position and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

“I chose to run for State Senate as I’ve always liked helping people. I was part of Windham’s Town Council for six years. During that time, I worked to improve the town’s infrastructure, to protect water quality in our lakes and streams and to reduce the property tax burden on seniors in town. While in the Senate, I was able to help more people. This legislative session, we were able to provide $100 million of investment in affordable and workforce housing, increased the annual income tax deduction for retirees, expanded eligibility for Medicare savings programs, protected older Mainers from utility shutoffs in extreme weather, and invested $26 million to keep long-term facilities open and $5.1 million to support the six Maine Veterans’ Homes. If reelected, I hope to build upon these accomplishments by continuing to increase access to affordable healthcare and housing, particularly for low-income, aging, and veteran Mainers.”

What are your budget priorities and how will it impact the residents of your district?

“I’m committed to continuing to advocate for the state’s funding of schools at 55 percent. Further, I believe that investments in EMS services should be maintained, and that we need to expand mental health care services across the state.”

What do you like the most about your district?

“The people. Windham and Raymond are tight-knit communities that lift up and support all residents, offering access to wonderful schools, recreation opportunities, and thriving local businesses. In my conversations with residents, I am always impressed by their resilience and willingness to help their neighbors.”

KENNETH 'KENNY' CIANCHETTE

Republican

Age/Occupation: 36, owner Erik’s Church of Windham

Previous Elected Experience: none

If an incumbent, please cite a bill you proposed or sponsored that was passed and signed into law by the governor and how it specifically benefits the residents of your district? If not currently serving in office, please detail legislation that you intend to propose and how it will benefit the residents of your district if enacted?

“Mainers need relief, and we are one of the highest taxed states in the union. The tax burden, unfairly, is put onto hard working Mainers and those who have retired from our workforce but continue to live in Maine. We need relief for both groups, and so I would propose eliminating income taxes on earned income, which simply means eliminating tax for working in our great state and creating protections for resident seniors on their property taxes, so the cost of living doesn’t continue to outpace the fixed incomes that should sustain their quality of life. Our leaders, if competent, should be able to figure out other ways to run the government without bankrupting our citizens."

What do you believe is the most pressing issue in this race and how do you intend to handle it?

“The most pressing issue in this race is the runaway costs of living in our state. Financial hardships on people and families directly contribute towards a litany of problems, some more serious, and personal, than others. This includes substance and physical abuse, mental health issues, and rationing of medicine. Contrarily, financial prosperity leads to subsequent positive consequences such as a healthier lifestyle, generosity, and compounding wage growth with positive economic prospects. We have many issues in our State that need to be addressed, but the best value for our effort starts with ensuring working Mainers can build a strong and prosperous life for the future. We can, simultaneously, work on innovative new ideas, technologies, and strategies to advance our state’s standing in education, infrastructure, energy generation, and more.”

What solid steps do you believe can be implemented to alleviate the property tax burden for residents of your district and help them to keep more of their hard-earned money?

“Property taxes are only necessary to function our government’s designed budgets. Wasteful spending must be eliminated first and foremost, just like Mainers have had to do with their own budgets at home. Next, we need to mitigate property taxes for all Maine residents through a more favorable homestead exemption. Third, we need to unleash responsible development to grow the tax base so that when costs increase, commercial and industrial development can help keep the mill rate low in municipalities. Fourth, we must put in protections for our retired seniors, over and above the homestead exemption, so that they may be able to affordably live in retirement and forecast their expenses, rather than waiting for the bill to show up.”

Why did you choose to run for this specific position and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

“I believe our form of government is the greatest thing that mankind has ever created. The caveat is that, in order for this government to function properly, we must have our best and brightest in the elected positions. Employees of the government must be accountable to the people through our elected representation. I would say that my hope is to reaffirm these notions, by inspiring other legislators to recognize that all departments of the State report to the Legislature, and that it is our duty as your representatives to hold them accountable. We serve the people, not our respective parties, and that is the only priority we must have. My belief is that if you always do the right thing, you can never go wrong. Based on the pushback by the establishment on my campaign, it gives me confidence that they know that I am serious on my commitment to this and that they know that I am right.”

What are your budget priorities and how will it impact the residents of your district?

“Budgets must be balanced. As a person who has run a small business, in particular a restaurant, during the most trying times in our nation’s history, I understand the importance of fiscal discipline. We have expenses that we must incur as a government for basic services, but we can, and should, eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. Similar to business, the absolute last thing we should do is raise our taxes on people. If we can revamp our taxes, to reduce the burden and shift it to those visiting our State rather than residing in our State, I believe the economic activity will generate State revenues. Those new revenues can be used for sound investment in our education and workforce development, or other responsible programs to further our collective futures. We should not be funding pet projects, particularly while Mainers are struggling. This is a common theme with all of these questions, and it is clear that there has been a lack of response by Augusta on these critical issues.”

What do you like the most about the district you represent or are trying to represent?

“This is a great question. Although there is no singular right answer, I would have to say that what I like most about our district is the willingness to give and help. My team at Erik’s Church has raised a lot of money for many great organizations over the last few years, and those efforts were spirited by our community’s great volunteers and leaders in both business and organizations. Couple this with the amazing work so many organizations do in the region, whether they be Camp Sunshine, Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, Riding to the Top, Walk A Mile, the Veterans Center initiatives, Camp Hinds, or any of the countless other great organizations and places, the commitment by this community is unmatched. It would be my greatest honor to know I have the support of our generous community as we look to return to leading in Augusta.”

Maine House District 107 Candidate Profiles and Q&A

Three candidates are running for the Maine House of
Representatives District 107 position representing part
of Windham in the Nov. 5 election. From left are 
Republican Mark Cooper, incumbent Democrat Jane
Pringle and Independent former State Representative
Patrick Corey. SUBMITTED PHOTOS  

Maine House of Representatives

District 107 Candidates

(Representing part of Windham)

JANE PRINGLE

Democrat

Age/Occupation: 79, State Legislator, retired Primary Care Physician

Previous Elected Experience/Terms in Office: 2012-2014, 2022-2024 State Representative, Windham

If an incumbent, please cite a bill you proposed or sponsored that was passed and signed into law by the governor and how it specifically benefits the residents of your district? If not currently serving in office, please detail legislation that you intend to propose and how it will benefit the residents of your district if enacted?

“I sponsored LD 796 which was passed into law and enacted in September this year. It deals with the Prior Authorization of Health Care which has been misused by some insurance companies to deny or delay medically necessary care, causing harm to patients. Insurance companies must report information about what conditions require prior authorization, how long it took to provide an answer, what proportion of prior authorizations were denied, how many were appealed and how many were overturned on appeal. This information will be reported to the Bureau of Insurance to be posted on the Bureau’s website for patients and employers to see when choosing which insurance plans to purchase. It also allows patients to give their provider (doctor, nurse practitioner, therapist) permission to make their appeals to the insurance company for them.”

What do believe is the most pressing issue in this race and how do you intend to handle it?

“Our most pressing issue is our changing climate. I will support and have supported legislation to increase renewable, clean energy, clean water and resilient infrastructure. I have the endorsement of Maine Conservation Voters and have a 100 percent score voting for legislation they support. My husband and I have installed solar panels and heat pumps at our home, and I drive a hybrid car.”

What solid steps do you believe can be implemented to alleviate the property tax burden for residents of your district and help them to keep more of their hard-earned money?

“One action would be to increase revenue sharing from 5 percent to 6 percent to send more money back to towns to offset property tax increases. We've seen it to be successful in helping solve a lot of spending headaches for municipalities that have been forced to increase mil rates with the rate increasing over the past 4 years from 2 percent to 5 percent. State government is doing very well with an Aa1 credit rating from Moody's (this is the second highest credit rating that a state can have). And we have a record rainy day fund to prepare for any potential dips in the economy. Working families can use some help. So, if we can shift more of the money the state takes in back to the towns which can use it to offset property taxes, we should do it so that we can give Mainers a break.”

Why did you choose to run for this specific position and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

“I first ran for the Legislature in 2012 because I had spent a large portion of my career caring for working people who had no health insurance. As a Primary Care physician, I know that preventive care and early diagnosis prevent more serious illness and keep people able to work and avoid more expensive treatments. At the time the new Affordable Care Act allowed the states to expand Medicaid, but Maine’s Chief Executive refused to do it. I hoped that I could help him, and my fellow legislators understand how we can save lives and save money by making health insurance available to everyone. We passed Medicaid expansion five times only to have it vetoed five times. I joined a coalition to get expansion on the ballot. It passed in the general election with close to 70% of the vote. It only became law when we elected a new Chief Executive. I chose to run and serve again in 2022 because of concerns that our healthcare system was getting worse with continued rising costs and worse patient outcomes. I am running for re-election to keep working for a more equitable and affordable health care system and common sense, bipartisan solutions to our many complex problems.”

What are your budget priorities and how will it impact the residents of your district?

“I am a fiscal conservative. I look for value in what I choose to spend money on. I believe in investing in people through education, vocational training, healthcare and public safety. I believe that we waste a lot of money on systems that don’t work. We can learn from examples in other states and other countries that get better results for less money. It may be counter intuitive but sometimes we need to spend money to save money.”

What do you like the most about the district where you live?

“Living in the Lakes Region provides a lot to like. There is much natural beauty accessible to many people. There are people with families that have been here for many generations and there are young families who come to Windham because they can afford to find an affordable home. There are many good people here who do wonderful things for each other.”

MARK COOPER

Republican

Age/Occupation: 61, Business owner as building contractor and farmer

Previous Elected Experience/Terms in Office: None

If an incumbent, please cite a bill you proposed or sponsored that was passed and signed into law by the governor and how it specifically benefits the residents of your district? If not currently serving in office, please detail legislation that you intend to propose and how it will benefit the residents of your district if enacted?

“One of my priorities is to revamp and reintroduce legislation pertaining to freezing/reducing property taxes for senior citizens. There was previously legislation to freeze property taxes for seniors. However, this legislation had some flaws and was repealed instead of taking time to make revisions. New legislation would have to include income limitations and cover primary residences only. Our most vulnerable citizens are our seniors on fixed incomes, and they should not be facing 5 to 10-plus percent property tax increases each year, especially after years contributing to our communities.”

What do you believe is the most pressing issue in this race and how do you intend to handle it?

“From visiting with constituents, the most common theme is cost of living and rapidly rising property taxes. Maine has been reported to have fourth highest tax burden in the nation. Voters are asking for relief at just about every door I knock on. I plan to work hard on keeping spending down and holding Augusta accountable on where tax dollars are being spent. In addition, too many Maine families are facing increases in their electricity bills, and we need to address that issue as quickly as possible. On the local level Augusta needs to be accountable in meeting their financial obligations to towns.”

What solid steps do you believe can be implemented to alleviate the property tax burden for residents of your district and help them to keep more of their hard-earned money?

“Local property taxes are set by the town council and have to be approved by voters at the Town Meeting each year. More citizens need to be actively involved in the budgeting process and most importantly be there to vote at Town Meeting. From the state level Augusta needs to cover their mandated funding levels to municipalities. Anything short of the mandated required level puts that shortfall onto local property tax burden. There are an ever-increasing number of rules, regulations, and legislative requirements that impact local town budgets as well. Overregulation and micro-management create increased expenses for all municipalities.”

Why did you choose to run for this specific position and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

“I decided to run for Maine House of Representatives because I have been frustrated with the way things have been for the last several years. The extreme policies that have led to higher spending, higher taxes, and higher electricity costs is not what Maine wants or needs. I feel I can be a part of the solution. I want to bring a balance of power and a commonsense approach to Augusta. As a small business owner, I have to be fiscally responsible, and I am fully committed to holding Maine Government to that same standard.”

What are your budget priorities and how will it impact the residents of your district?

“Budget priorities include balanced and responsible spending. Fiscal responsibility is what Maine citizens want and deserve. There are Budget items that are mandated and must be covered. There are budget items that need to be covered and funded. There are items that are not essential that should be covered and then there are wish list items that should be prioritized and funded if there is room in the budget. We should not be funding ‘wish list’ and ‘pet’ projects over basic necessities. My priorities are funding mental health services, education, infrastructure, tax reductions for working Mainers, and providing a safety net for vulnerable citizens in Augusta. Voters I have met with have made it clear they have reached the breaking point of rising taxes and want changes made.”

What do you like the most about the district where you live?

“I have lived in this district my entire life except for one year after college. I have thoroughly enjoyed living here and am proud to be a resident of Windham. The people in my neighborhood and district have always made it a wonderful place to live and raise a family! This district has always been relatively rural with a significant amount of open space. There are a significant number of multiple generation families here and that speaks well of the quality of life in the town. My grandson is the fourth generation of the Cooper family to attend Windham Schools and that is something I am proud of.”

PATRICK COREY

Independent

Age/Occupation: 50, Self-employed Marketer and Artist

Previous Elected Experience/Terms in Office: State Representative, Maine House of Representatives, Four Terms: 127th, 128th, 129th, and 130th Legislatures

If an incumbent, please cite a bill you proposed or sponsored that was passed and signed into law by the governor and how it specifically benefits the residents of your district? If not currently serving in office, please detail legislation that you intend to propose and how it will benefit the residents of your district if enacted?

“I got a bill passed and funded that allowed spouses to get paid as natural caregivers. Prior to this change, anyone could be paid other than a spouse to provide direct care. For the patient, they weren’t getting care they qualified for through Medicaid. Often the care was intimate in nature and performed by an inconsistent group of direct care workers. The continuum of care was lacking due to high turnover. Caregiving spouses could not hold down jobs based on these inconsistencies and weren’t compensated for the work they performed. This bill allows people that would otherwise be in nursing homes stay home and near their families, keeping them together. Spouses of people with conditions like ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or traumatic brain injuries are now paid for their work and have the dignity that comes with that.”

What do believe is the most pressing issue in this race and how do you intend to handle it?

“Growing partisanship. When I entered Maine Legislature 10 years ago, I told people it was nothing like what they saw in national politics. This changed in the following eight years I served. We’ve got two parties that are more concerned about either imposing their will on the other party or the wholesale rejection of the opposing party’s ideas. Compromise no longer exists and a majority of our elected politicians have lost touch with the fact they have constituents to serve, and they should be creating solutions that work for the majority of those people. If elected I will continue to look at ideas based on merit, not who or where they came from. Moreover, I will challenge legislative colleagues that don’t use the same approach. Our country is deeply divided, and our leaders have played a huge role in that. Let’s work together to create government that works for everyone.”

What solid steps do you believe can be implemented to alleviate the property tax burden for residents of your district and help them to keep more of their hard-earned money?

“Maine people pay a higher percentage of their incomes in property tax than any other state. The Legislature can do relief in the form of increasing the homestead exemption. Property taxpayers need to make it a priority. While serving, I saw will to create new programs and expand the baseline, but little interest in providing tax relief of any kind. Legislators need to focus property tax relief and look for efficiencies to pay for it. For relief to be lasting, voters will need to hold candidates accountable, because a new legislature can easily undo property tax relief the previous legislature created. I will commit to pursuing property tax relief in the form of a larger homestead exemption for all property taxpayers and uphold it should I be re-elected. Voters also need to look to the Town Council and School Board to reduce the property tax burden.”

Why did you choose to run for this specific position and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

“Over the years I served, my belief that it’s possible for government to do good things grew. Partisanship and the polarization it creates are holding back government from serving Maine’s people. I ran because I believe good governance is important and needs to be promoted. We should hold politicians responsible for breaking the public trust, promote transparency, be more inclusive through listening, and be responsive to the needs of Mainers. I have spent the last two year’s working with Bill Diamond on Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, a non-profit that gives a voice to Maine’s children who encounter abuse, neglect, and death. I am disturbed by the lack of ability to be self-reflective, follow their own rules to protect children, and motivation to change by Maine’s biggest department, DHHS. There needs to be accountability to Maine’s children and the stakeholders that care for and protect our most vulnerable asset.”

What are your budget priorities and how will it impact the residents of your district?

“I’m the only candidate that has served on the Committee for Appropriations and Financial Affairs giving me unique insight into Maine’s budget. I have watched politicians spend budget surpluses to create new programs they claim will not expand the baseline, yet these “one-time” spends become expectations in future budgets. Surpluses, for all intents and purposes are the over collection of taxes. More revenue has been collected than has been budgeted for. My top priority will be returning surpluses to Maine’s people. Maine has the fourth highest taxes. It’s time we recognize the burden this puts on Mainers and find ways to give their money back. I would also like to look at the school funding formula and municipal revenue sharing. What Windham is getting back is not commensurate with the money our residents and businesses are putting in. Our rapidly growing community cannot look solely at property taxes any longer.”

What do you like the most about the district where you live?

“I always enjoyed serving a community where there was a diversity of political beliefs causing me to look closely at issues and finding solutions that help as many people as possible. Serving as president of Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a non-profit heating assistance program, I’ve seen how generous and thoughtful my community is. It’s a great community to serve and I hope to do it again.”

Maine House District 106 Candidate Profiles and Q&A

Democrat Doris Poland, left, is challenging incumbent
Republican Barbara Bagshaw for the Maine House of
Representatives District 106 position representing
Windham in the Nov. 5 election. SUBMITTED PHOTOS  

Maine House of Representatives

District 106 candidates

(Representing part of Windham)  

DORIS POLAND

Democrat

Age/Occupation: 82, Retired from the Windham School Department

Previous Elected Experience/Terms in Office: None

If an incumbent, please cite a bill you proposed or sponsored that was passed and signed into law by the governor and how it specifically benefits the residents of your district? If not currently serving in office, please detail legislation that you intend to propose and how it will benefit the residents of your district if enacted?

“I intend to focus on legislation that will ease the financial strain on middle class families and improve their quality of life. I want to work with the rest of the house on bipartisan solutions for working people to improve access to high quality public education, and to make healthcare and housing more affordable. My focus will be on listening to the people of this district and working on everyday problems that the people of Windham face. I will welcome contact from any person I represent regardless of how they have voted because, if elected, I will represent all of district 106 proudly. “

What do believe is the most pressing issue in this race and how do you intend to handle it?

“The cost of living is squeezing the middle working class to a breaking point. We need to find solutions to help our families be able to afford gas, groceries, childcare, healthcare, housing, and still save for their future. Our retired families need to enjoy after a lifetime of hard work and service, without worrying about whether they will be able to afford food or medicine this month. Our young people need to feel that their investment in themselves, whether it's education, apprenticeship, or some other skills training, will bring them a future where they will be able to thrive and not just struggle to survive. I will work on legislation to address these issues and look to make sure that everyone is paying their fair share of taxes to fund necessary programs. You've worked hard for your money, and I will work hard to help you keep it.”

What solid steps do you believe can be implemented to alleviate the property tax burden for residents of your district and help them to keep more of their hard-earned money?

“First, we need to make sure that the state funding for schools continues and look for ways that we could possibly increase this funding to alleviate some of the property tax burden. I also want to look for ways to increase revenue sharing so that we can get back a higher percent of our sales tax collected to help offset the property tax burden. I have heard other candidates say they want to eliminate income tax, but that would only drive up property tax, so I am not in favor of this. I do believe we need to review our tax structure and make sure that our wealthy Mainers are paying their fair share. There are a lot of factors that come into play with tax structures, but I will take constructive input from anyone and everyone and work towards creative solutions.”

Why did you choose to run for this specific position and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

“I have been in Augusta and Washington D.C. advocating on behalf of my disabled son and working families for most of my life, so I am not new to politics. In the past few years, the legislature has become more and more polarized, and I think we need more people in Augusta who will work across party lines to get the work done for the hard-working people of Windham. I have experience with this, and, as a resident for more than 50 years, I know how special Windham is. I am running because Windham needs someone in Augusta who will remind the other legislators what real life is like for working families, retirees, and small businesses, and to remind them that they work for the people, not for the wealthy or extremists.”

What are your budget priorities and how will it impact the residents of your district?

“The budget is complex, but I want to prioritize school funding and revenue sharing as both of these will help ease the property tax burden for the towns. In recent sessions there were investments made to help with more affordable housing, more affordable childcare, and we were able to expand medicare which are all issues we need to continue to prioritize. There is also a need for more mental health and substance abuse treatment. It's also no secret that Maine has an older population, and we are losing elder care options, so we need to find ways to increase funding for those programs. Small businesses face unique challenges, and I also want the budget to prioritize programs to help small business owners so that they can compete and thrive.”

What do you like the most about the district where you live?

“The people. Our town is physically beautiful, but I think the best part is who I get to share it with. I have had so many amazing conversations about everyday issues over the last few months. I love talking about ways I will be able to help in Augusta, but I also love getting to meet everyone's pets and learning about their families. We have so many diverse people in this district, and I love hearing so many different points of view. I have loved raising my family here, and I want to make sure that this continues to be a place that people love living and raising their own families in, whatever that family looks like. I want to continue these conversations past November and look forward to working with you to help Windham stay vibrant and special.”

BARBARA BAGSHAW

Republican

Age/occupation: 57, Current State Representative District 106

Previous elected experience/terms in office: Current State Representative District 106 serving on Education and Cultural Affairs committee. Elected in 2022.

If an incumbent, please cite a bill you proposed or sponsored that was passed and signed into law by the governor and how it specifically benefits the residents of your district? If not currently serving in office, please detail legislation that you intend to propose and how it will benefit the residents of your district if enacted?

“I sponsored/cosponsored/signed on to 85 pieces of legislation with colleagues from both parties. Many of those recognized the achievements and contributions of Windham community members. I enjoy bringing statewide attention to what is special about the Windham community. Legislation on substantive topics included: school safety, educational reform, child welfare, shoplifting restitution, recall elections, funding for sexual assault services, child trafficking, child endangerment, religious freedoms, bodily integrity, voter I.D., infectious diseases, parental rights, curriculum transparency, internet access, heating assistance, school funding, student scholarships, tax relief, and protection of first, fourth and second amendment rights. The bill (LD 974) I cosponsored to establish minimum pay for Ed Techs and school support staff passed the House and Senate and has been carried over.”

What do you believe is the most pressing issue in this race and how do you intend to handle it?

“Clearly it is the Legislature’s failure to focus on the very real problems facing Maine citizens, especially the fact that Maine is becoming unaffordable for middle class families and people living on a fixed income. I will join the growing chorus of citizens demanding action to lower energy costs, lower income and property taxes and reverse declining student achievement. I am confident that growing awareness of these and other pressing problems will result in a change in direction this coming session and a commitment to help everyone achieve the American Dream, not just a privileged few.”

What solid steps do you believe can be implemented to alleviate the property tax burden for residents of your district and help them to keep more of their hard-earned money?

“First off, we need to undo the damage that was done last session when the majority party eliminated the senior property tax freeze after only one year; eliminated scheduled increases in the homestead tax exemption; and removed a bipartisan protection against rapid property tax increases. Not only did the legislature fail to lower the property tax burden it actually increased property taxes going forward. This is unconscionable at a time when affordable housing is a top problem and Maine is attracting thousands of welfare recipients to come here at taxpayer expense.”

Why did you choose to run for this specific position and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

“I am community minded and try to bring that cooperative, can-do attitude to Augusta to hopefully focus on the everyday issues facing people back home. I want Augusta to be closer to the people and have grassroots ideas and values translate into policies that, at the very least, do not hinder creativity, innovation and prosperity. Government spends more and more money and continues to procure declining results. Stronger communities, local and civic organizations and small business growth is the answer.”

What are your budget priorities and how will it impact the residents of your district?

“Stop state spending that exceeds taxpayer income growth. State government should not continue to grow larger than family budgets whose spending power has declined by $16,000 since January of 2021. I believe that government excess should be returned to the taxpayers in the form of lower taxes, not one-time election year checks. Taxpayer money should also not be diverted to out of state solar companies that receive .20 cents per kilowatt hour for a product that costs as little as .05 cents to produce. High energy prices lead to higher prices at the grocery store and everywhere else we shop. I supported bipartisan legislation that would have lowered energy costs.”

What do you like the most about the district where you live?

“I love Windham. I’ve lived here for most of my adult life. One of the best things about representing our community is sharing with my colleagues what makes our community special. People are kind and caring. We have a small-town atmosphere where we look out for one another and help our neighbors. Our family friendly atmosphere makes Windham a great place to raise children!”

RSU 14 Candidate Profiles and Q&A

Three candidates are vying for two available non-partisan
seats on the RSU 14 Board of Directors representing
Windham in the upcoming election on Nov. 5. From left are
Jessica Bridges, Virginia 'Ginny' Woodman and Frances
'Franny' Etheridge. SUBMITTED PHOTOS 

RSU 14 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Two seats open, three-year non-partisan terms

JESSICA BRIDGES

Age/Occupation: 43, Radiologic Technologist at a nearby Urgent Care facility.

Previous Elected Experience/Terms in Office: RSU14 School Board of Directors for 3 years

Please detail specific items that you intend to propose for the RSU 14 Board of Directors to pass and how these items will benefit the residents, students and staff of the school district?

“I plan to continue to listen to residents, parents, teachers and students to make decisions that will benefit all students in our district. Policies continue to be updated following the Maine State Law and according to the Maine Department of Education. I hope to continue my work on the curriculum committee where I can suggest programs and policy modifications that may be appropriate in curriculum and program areas. New program activities undertaken by the district, the implementation of new curricula, or piloting of new programs are topics of particular interest. I also would recommend the addition of MLL teachers with the influx of non-English speaking students, as well as making sure policies, such as the cell phone policy, are being followed in each school.”

What do you believe is the most pressing issue in this race and how do you intend to handle it?

“I believe the most pressing issue of this race is maintaining a balance as this is a non-partisan seat. This is not about Republicans or Democrats but rather what is good for all our students. These decisions should be made considering the facts and opinions from all sides. It is a great responsibility to take in all this information and compile it into a concrete decision of what is best for all the students.”

What solid steps can be taken to increase participation by the public in RSU 14 district initiatives and to improve the quality of education for this community?

“One of our board goals last year was around increasing participation and communication with the community. With Parent Square, information run in the Windham Eagle, increased meetings for public participation surrounding topics of interest, I believe we have tried to reach out on several avenues to bring information to the public. We can always do better and are always open to ideas through email and public comment.”

Why did you choose to run for this specific position and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

“I made the decision to re-run for my RSU 14 Board of Directors seat for numerous reasons. First and foremost, as a parent of two school aged children; I have a vested interest in preserving and improving the quality of our school system. I have been involved in the school community, as a parent, volunteer, and a school board member, and would like to continue my work on the curriculum committee; where we consider and make recommendations concerning broad policies of education and research, review major areas of curriculum development, regular/special education services, pupil assessment, long-term program review and program revisions. I believe in quality public education for our current and future students and in order to achieve this; our district needs school board members to collaborate as a team to accomplish the district's goals.”

What are your budget priorities and how will it impact the residents of your district?

“The administration at RSU 14 works incredibly hard on proposing a budget for the board to consider. One priority is keeping the percentage increase as low as possible without negatively impacting the education of our students. These next few years we will be faced with having to start paying for the new middle school but using our resources and carefully focusing on what is important for the district I believe that we can collectively come to a consensus where we can keep the impact to the residents as minimal as possible while maintaining our standards for our children’s education.”

What do you like the most about the RSU 14 school district?

“Every RSU 14 administrator, teacher, staff member, and transportation department employee that I have ever come into contact with is genuine and passionate about serving our community and enhancing the lives of our district's children through quality educational offerings.”

VIRGINIA “GINNY” WOODMAN

Age/Occupation: 70, retired registered nurse

Previous Elected Experience/Terms in Office: None

Please detail specific items that you intend to propose for the RSU 14 Board of Directors to pass and how these items will benefit the residents, students, and staff of the school district.

“I would propose a curriculum review committee comprised of board members, concerned citizens and teachers to clarify what exactly is being taught in RSU 14. I believe we need to return to basics including simple skills like cursive and memorization of math tables. We need to bring back history and civics classes. A knowledge of where our present-day society evolved from is crucial to our nation’s success. Computer skills are necessary, but young minds need to be stretched and exercised to include information they can draw upon when they don’t have a computer at hand. The benefit to students includes increased self-confidence and self-esteem. Benefits to the staff include a measurable skill set. Benefits to the public include students who have the basic building blocks and self-reliance to become successful adults in their career choices and in day to day living.”

What do you believe is the most pressing issue in this race and how to you intend to handle it?

“I think teacher satisfaction and retention is a key issue. There is no RSU 14 without teachers. We are blessed with strong, dedicated professionals who need to be supported with the resources they need and with the knowledge that they are valued. In my mind, communication is the key. I want to hear what the teachers need and their ideas on how we can try to provide it. I came from a family of educators and feel I have an understanding of how much teachers love their students and want them to succeed.”

What solid steps can be taken to increase participation by the public in RSU 14 district initiatives and to improve the quality of education for this community?

“My underlying theme is communication. I am willing to organize round table discussions and informational meetings outside of the public school board meetings. It has been my experience that issues which seemed contrary to my beliefs or understanding might become some of my favorites when they are explained to me on a one to one or even group basis. Building relationships is key. The School Board, RSU 14 Staff, concerned citizens, parents and students are a team. Working together, brain storming, respecting each others’ viewpoints, building trust are all vital to building a strong team and ultimately facilitating a successful outcome for our students."

Why did you choose to run for this specific position and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

“I’ve lived in Windham for 47 years and have three grown children who successfully completed their K-12 education here. I had great faith in the Windham school system. I was a room mother in the elementary school and loved the close contact I had with those teachers. It is my wish to give back and try to help iron out some of the issues that seem to be dividing our community. In any institution there is always room for improvement and I hope to be a means to that end.”

What are your budget priorities and how will it impact the residents of your district?

“RSU 14 School Board has been entrusted with a budget that is built on individuals’ finances. We have to be good stewards of those finances. In these difficult financial times, I feel we have to tighten our belts and live within our means just as we do with our personal budgets. The public wants to support strong education, but there is a limit to what we can ask folks to contribute and how high taxes can go. My perspective as a retiree on a fixed income may shed a light on what might be nice to have, but what in reality may be unnecessary to provide a solid education for our students.”

What do you like the most about the RSU 14 school district?

“We have so much to be proud of in our district. We have Championship teams, the Chamber Singers, outstanding competitors on High School challenge programs just to name a few. Our school bus transportation system is state of the art. The lengths our faculty and staff will go to make sure our children are safe is at times heroic. But it is the individual caring that stands out to me. We recently helped a family settle into the school system and every question that I had was answered kindly and professionally. We have something very special in RSU 14 and I hope I can be of service to maintain and improve upon this strong institution in the next three years.”

FRANCES “FRANNY” ETHERIDGE

Age/ Occupation: 38, a wife, mother of three, and serves on the board of directors for a real estate investment firm in North Carolina. Previously homeschooled her older children before enrolling them in RSU 14.

Previous Elected Experience: None

Please detail specific items that you intend to propose for the RSU 14 Board of Directors to pass and how these items will benefit the residents, students, and staff of the school district?

“My initial goal will be to educate and familiarize myself with the many facets of operating a school district from school bus tires, cafeteria supplies, playground inspections, curriculum development, district security, staff benefits, and everything in between. I would like to advocate for the return of essential life skills like proper typing techniques and cursive writing, which are no longer widely taught but remain crucial for student development. Cursive writing is a gateway to understanding important historical documents, while typing is fundamental in today’s digital age. Reintroducing these types of skills will better prepare our students for both academic and real-world challenges. Additionally, I will work on improving communication between schools and parents, ensuring they are informed and engaged in their children’s learning.”

What do you believe is the most pressing issue in this race, and how do you intend to handle it?

“The decline in academic rigor and overall educational quality is the most pressing issue. I have seen this decline in my own children and believe we must refocus on age-appropriate academic content that prioritizes core subjects like math, reading, and science. I will also encourage a partnership between parents and educators, helping families take an active role in their children's social and emotional development. By promoting stronger relationships between schools and families, we can build a more balanced and effective educational system.”

What solid steps can be taken to increase participation by the public in RSU 14 district initiatives and to improve the quality of education for this community?

“To increase public participation, I believe in making it easier for parents to access school information and resources. Many parents juggle demanding schedules and clear, accessible communication is crucial to keep them informed and engaged in district initiatives. I would advocate for improved online tools, more transparent meeting schedules, and user-friendly access to curriculum updates. Additionally, I would work to enhance outreach efforts to ensure parents and community members know how they can get involved and contribute to improving educational quality in RSU 14.”

Why did you choose to run for this specific position, and what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?

“I’m running because I am deeply invested in the future of RSU 14, not only for my own children, but for all the students in the district. With three children in three different schools, as well as actively volunteering within their schools, I’ve had a unique opportunity to see both the strengths and areas for improvement. I hope to advocate for policies that prioritize students’ academic success, and I aim to ensure that our schools maintain a focus on learning that prepares students for life beyond graduation. Ultimately, my goal is to support our families and educators to create a system that works for every student.”

What are your budget priorities, and how will it impact the residents of your district?

“My budget priorities are centered on making sure teachers have the necessary resources to offer high-quality education, while avoiding unnecessary spending. I believe in allocating funds toward essential tools and programs that directly benefit students’ learning, such as classroom materials, teacher development, and student services. Being mindful of the district’s financial responsibilities, I would focus on balancing high-quality education with fiscal responsibility to avoid unnecessary tax burdens on the community.”

What do you like the most about the RSU 14 school district?

“What I love most about RSU 14 is the sense of community that exists within the district. I’ve seen firsthand how dedicated our teachers, parents, and volunteers are to ensuring student success. There is a shared commitment to doing what’s best for our children, and I believe that by fostering a collaborative approach, we can build an even stronger academic environment. This community-focused spirit is something I truly value and wish to continue strengthening.”