Voters to decide Windham Town clerk position status

By Ed Pierce

On Nov. 5, voters in Windham will decide if the Windham Town Clerk will remain an elected position or by the appointment of the Windham Town Council.

Voters will determine on Nov. 5 whether the Windham
Town Clerk position will remain an elected job or be
converted to one that is appointed by the Windham
Town Council. PHOTO BY ED PIERCE 

The issue arose earlier this year when Linda Morrell, who has served for more than two decades as Windham Town Clerk as an elected official, sent a memo to councilors explaining why she supports changing the position to one that is appointed.

“The Town Clerk’s position should have someone who has clerk experience and who can be dedicated to this full-time position, including night meetings, and working evenings and weekends during election time. As an appointed position you can advertise and have the ability to choose the best qualified candidate,” Morrell wrote in the memo. “If the clerk is elected, anyone in town is able to run, and you may only have one person running who could absolutely have no experience or have any idea of what goes on in the clerk’s office. You cannot require qualifications when electing a clerk. This position has many responsibilities and involves several different jobs, most of which are state-mandated. Learning these jobs requires going to classes and workshops and repeating those classes due to laws and regulations continually changing. It takes two to three years to feel comfortable and knowledgeable in this position because there are so many things to learn and become familiar with. Elections are one of the most important things a clerk has to oversee, and you need to know what you are doing.”

During a council discussion in July, Morrell told councilors that she will retire someday and that the job is tremendously challenging, and she indicated that she only wants to ensure continuity and consistency for the Town Clerk’s office when she eventually departs the job.

In Windham, the elected town clerk position oversees Dog Licensing; Hunting/Fishing Licensing; Business Licenses and Permits; and Notary and Dedimus Service. The clerk’s office assists in Tax Collection/Auto Registration in collecting property taxes; assists in Tax Collection/Auto Registration in registering Autos, Boats, and ATVs; issues marriage licenses and has Welcome Packets available for new residents. The Town Clerk also ensures that customer service is provided to the public in a courteous and friendly manner and supervises all elections conducted in the Town of Windham. The town clerk also is tasked with ensuring that all voter registration for Windham is handled in accordance with Maine Law and the Windham Town Charter.

At the Windham Town Council meeting on Aug. 20, the public was given an opportunity to express their thoughts about converting the position from an elected one to by appointment and a motion was discussed by councilors to place a referendum on General Election ballot for Nov. 5. A portion of the proposed referendum would have included language to amend the Windham Town Charter to grant councilors the ability to appoint and remove the Town Clerk on a vote of five members and to remove the Town Clerk position from provisions related to elected officials, essentially making the position by appointment of the council without a residency requirement.

CONTROVERSY

Town Councilor Jarrod Maxfield was not present for a vote on the issue on Aug. 20, and councilors deadlocked, 3-3 at that time, effectively killing the issue being sent to a referendum on the ballot. But the issue was resurrected again during a special council meeting held on Sept. 3 as Windham Town Council Chair Mark Morrison said that a councilor can petition the Town Council chair to bring up the issue again if there is a substantive change from the proposed original language. During the Sept. 3 meeting Councilor John Henry, who had voted against creating a referendum on Aug. 20 had a prior commitment and was unable to attend the meeting. Both Councilor Bill Reiner and Vice Council Chair Nick Kalogerakis spoke during the special meeting, but each left before a vote to advance a referendum for the Nov. 5 election asking voters to determine if the town clerk position should remain elected or be changed to an appointed position. Councilors Maxfield, Brett Jones, David Nadeau and Morrison voted 4-0 to do that and it is on the ballot.

Morrison said in September in an email that he supports making the position an appointed one after doing more than 20 hours of research about this issue.

“Our Clerk, Linda Morrell has been advocating for the town to change to an appointed model going back to Manager Tony Plante five-plus years ago. She is not seeking reelection, and has one year left in her term,” he said. “She wants the town to vote to change the clerk position to the appointed model and prefers to have the residency requirement removed which broadens the pool of candidates for consideration. We have a beloved clerk of 30-plus years advocating for the change to appoint. She is in the best position to know what is best for our town. We must listen to her and move this to the townspeople so they can do their own research and vote at the ballot during an election which will have the highest participation rate within a four-year cycle. Thus, the town decides with the broadest number of citizens participating.”

According to Morrison, the elected clerk is an antiquated model.

“Virtually every town over 6,000 residents has already changed to some version of appointed,” he said. “The four remaining elected clerks in Southern Maine are taking action to change from elected to appointed. This is the direction Windham should go, not because we are ‘followers’ but because we value having the best people in place for the positions they hold.”

RESEARCH

He said that during his research, he interviewed eight town clerks, and most had over 25 years of experience.

“All stated very clearly, the appointed model is the best for their town and for the integrity of the vote. The clerk needs to be a true professional given all their responsibilities,” Morrison said. “An appointed clerk model seeks to fill the position with a person who possesses a qualified skill set commensurate with their roles and responsibilities. The clerk is a department head responsible for election integrity and the collection of millions of dollars in fees. Those clerks operating in an elected capacity are advocating for ‘appointment’ over ‘elected’ as the best long-term model for their own towns. They see the limitations of ‘elected’ every day, first-hand and support change in their towns by moving to appointed. Each elected clerk said they want to move to appointed, over the next few years. When it comes time for them to leave or retire, their town will be in a much better position to fill the clerk vacancy by hiring based on merit with credentials and can choose from a broad pool of candidates and not limited by residency.”

Councilor Nicholas Kalogerakis supports keeping the Windham Town Clerk as an elected position.

“My issue with appointing the clerk is I do not want to lose my right to vote on anything. The world and government are changing at a rapid pace, and we need to be careful with what liberties we are willing to give up,” Kalogerakis said. “Our right to vote is a sacred part of democracy that people died for in order to have so I don’t take it lightly even in our small town.”

He said that although some councilors have said they don’t want to hear the words “succession planning” again, he’s going to have to keep saying it because the town has failed in preparing for key departures, such as in the Assessing Department, in Public Works and now the Town Clerk’s office.

“If we planned for it, we could have had a seamless transition and Linda, our clerk, could have had someone working alongside her for the last year,” he said. “Mark Morrison did an in-depth interview with several clerks in neighboring towns. Most if not all of the clerks supported being appointed, according to his interviews. In my opinion, I can’t imagine any clerks wanting to have to run for public election versus being appointed simply for job security purposes alone. Run for election every two years or be appointed once.”

Kalogerakis said any elected official in any branch of government needs support and training when first elected.

“This is not abnormal, and we should be supporting the new Town Clerk in the same way,” he said. “When we appoint a clerk versus electing a clerk are we to be naive enough to think they won’t need training or support? They will definitely need it so why change? Simply put we should never be willing to give up our right to vote for anything. Nor should we think that a council of seven is better equipped to make a decision than the town as a whole.”

The council could appoint a clerk that doesn’t do well just as easily as it happens in an election, he said.

“Lastly, if we lose the right to vote and the council votes to appoint someone and it does not get the five votes needed, what then? Do we run the town without a clerk? I brought this up and it was not answered.” <

In the public eye: WMS science teacher finds true calling as an educator

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

By Ed Pierce

Pamela Mallard believes we’re all here to contribute something unique and that deep within all of us lies a special gift. It’s a philosophy that holds significance for Mallard as she found her true calling in working with students and now serves as a seventh- and eighth-grade science and math teacher at Windham Middle School.

Pamela Mallard has taught seventh- and
eighth-grade science and math at Windham
Middle School for the past 20 years and also
runs a 'Buddy Program' connecting WMS
students with second graders at Windham
Primary School. SUBMITTED PHOTO  

For the past 20 years, she has taught at WMS and in all has been a teacher for 25 years, but it wasn’t her first career.

“This is my third career. I was a bank manager, and then ran a preschool/daycare center,” Mallard said. “I know that I have found what I am meant to do. I believe statistics state that most people have three careers, and I am definitely a statistic.”

In her role as a teacher, she creates lessons to engage WMS students in science and strives to help all students, no matter what ability, to be successful. That includes implementing the standards and curriculum of RSU 14, assuring every student receives an education that is valuable to their future, to make community connections in her class which allows students to learn about opportunities outside the classroom, and to develop relationships with students that make them feel cared for and that school is a safe and welcoming place for them to be.

“I have a program with Saint Joseph’s College- under the supervision of Emily Lesher in which her students come and teach my students an exploration in science, Mallard said. “We then go to their college and experience the college science experience. I also prompt learning with community members, such as Adam Chasse, who has assisted the students in learning about energy and the balance of the environment. Experiences like this make it real for students.”

She also shares professional knowledge with colleagues and future teachers and has taken on student teachers, sharing her expertise and having them share their innovative ideas.

For Mallard, the best thing about what she does is being with middle school students and witnessing their excitement about learning.

“Witnessing the growth of kids is one of the most rewarding experiences,” she said. “I stay in contact with students and love hearing about their lives and where their paths have taken them.”

Teaching is not without its challenges as Mallard explained.

“When they say teachers teach with their heart, no statement is truer,” she said. “I want to make every student to not have any personal struggles that make them feel less of a person. I have lost students and watched students lose loved ones. Sometimes to know you can’t make it better for them is tough. I realized all I can do is be there for them and their families and know how much I care for them. Secondly, it’s challenging how to manage the time required to devise great learning experiences and blend it with my personal life. When they say a teacher never stops, even when leaving the classroom and it is so true.”

Originally from Belchertown, Massachusetts, she went to college at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire and thought she wanted to be an accountant.

“I share this story with my students demonstrating how what we think we want at 18 can definitely turn out to be something so different,” Mallard said. “I married and moved to Maine completing my degree at the University of Southern Maine in communications and minoring in Education. I went to the University of New England and attended their teacher certification program. After starting to teach, I earned my master’s degree in education at the University of Maine Orono, and I continue to study through seminars and courses, and am a firm believer in lifelong learning.”

After teaching in another district, an opening occurred in Windham and a friend suggested that she apply.

“I was offered the position and have never regretted it for a moment, Mallard said. “I feel my colleagues are my family and I am truly cared for as a person. Windham is so kid-centered, and it falls in line with what I believe. The families in Windham make you feel appreciated and valued. The community of Windham is one of the best.”

Among Mallard’s most memorable moments at WMS is running a Buddy Program pairing up middle school students with second graders at Windham Primary School to mentor them in science.

“The connections my middle school students make with their little buddies is so rewarding,” she said. “The ownership that develops in my students for their child is amazing.” <

Maine’s 2025 Assistant Superintendent of the Year hails from RSU 14

By Ed Pierce

In recognition of her efforts to advance equity, engage with the local community, and provide academic and social-emotional support to all students, RSU 14 Assistant Superintendent Christine Frost-Bertinet has been honored as Maine's 2025 Assistant Superintendent of the Year.

RSU 14 Assistant Superintendent Christine Frost-Bertinet
was honored as Maine's 2025 Assistant Superintendent
of the Year during a meeting in Augusta on
Wednesday morning. SUBMITTED PHOTO 

The award was presented to Frost-Bertinet during a meeting in Augusta on Wednesday morning.

Frost-Bertinet has served as the assistant superintendent in the RSU 14 Windham Raymond School District since 2019. As part of her efforts to support staff and students, Frost-Bertinet implemented a pre-K program through a partnership with community providers.

She also led the allocation of COVID-19 relief funding for RSU 14, meeting with students, teachers and community members to distribute funds for projects ranging from facilities improvement to mental health support, and outdoor education.

A critical member of the school district’s strategic planning work, Frost-Bertinet helped create an Equity Response Team to plan and provide professional development for RSU 14 staff.

"Christine has continuously demonstrated strong leadership, providing guidance and support to students and staff members alike,” said Eileen King, the executive director of the Maine School Superintendents Association, which presents the annual award. "By collaborating with other school districts in the region and community groups, she has worked tirelessly to ensure every student in her district receives a quality education."

She’s a member of the Maine State Literacy Team and has served on Maine’s Commission to Study Expansion of Public Preschool and Early Care and Education. Beyond the classroom itself, Frost-Bertinet has facilitated a group focused on addressing homelessness and affordable housing, which has led to greater cooperation between community support service organizations and area schools.

“From her swift action during the pandemic to her ongoing efforts in community development, professional mentorship, and maintaining robust district policies, Christine has consistently demonstrated the highest caliber of educational leadership,” said RSU 14 Superintendent Christopher Howell. “Her problem-solving skills and dedication to optimizing processes for the benefit of students and staff further underscore her exceptional qualifications for this recognition.”

Frost-Bertinet also writes and oversees RSU 14 grants, supporting the district’s administrative team with goal development, implementation, and progress monitoring, responds to the needs of families, partners with local organizations, supports the general business operations of the district, and serves as an instructional leader.

“The role of an assistant superintendent, like many leadership positions, includes a diverse range of tasks and experiences,” Frost-Bertinet said. “On any given day, I might spend time in a classroom alongside students and staff, sit down with a colleague to collaborate on a project, work on policies with board members, update a page on the website, work to support a parent with a concern, attend multiple zoom and in-person meetings, and stand in the lunch line with students at Windham High School to enjoy a meal prepared by our outstanding Nutrition Department. Each day is different and filled with both challenges and accomplishments.”

She joined RSU 14 after working as a teacher, a Teacher Consultant for the National Writing Project, a soccer coach, a cross-country coach, a track and field coach, a teacher leader, assistant principal, and a principal during her career.

Originally from Maine, she graduated from high school and earned an undergraduate teaching degree in English Secondary Education from West Chester University, a school outside of Philadelphia, before returning to her home state of Maine to teach at a middle school.

Having served as a teacher leader and school leader and supported multiple district-level initiatives in her two previous school districts, Frost-Bertinet said that she was growing increasingly interested in examining systems and working collaboratively to elevate schools in the service of every student and she is humbled to receive this award.

The Maine School Superintendents Association advocates for, represents, and provides professional development for superintendents across Maine, with a purpose of leading for equity, excellence and opportunity for all Maine students. <

Windham magnet fishing find amazes hobbyist

By Ed Pierce

For the past five years, Colt Busch has been searching for sunken treasures through his skill as a magnet fisherman and on Oct. 13, he landed a historical object in Windham that amazed even the greatest of skeptics.

Magnet fisherman Colt Busch and his friends
found a perfectly preserved Coca Cola
glass bottle made in Portland in 1915
in the Presumpscot River near the old
South Windham Fire Station on Oct. 13.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Busch, 41, was searching for items in the Presumpscot River near the old South Windham Fire Station with friends Frederick Hardy, Nick Wallace and Julie Easier when he hauled up a chunk of glass clumped in mud between several stones. The object was located at a depth of eight feet and had apparently been stuck there for some time.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be an intact Coca Cola bottle manufactured in Portland in 1915, making it well over 100 years old.

“When I determined what it was, it kind of gave me the chills,” Busch said. “It’s always interesting to find historical items. The more historical they are, all the better.”

He has been magnet fishing as a hobby for the past five years after watching a video about how to do it. Magnet fishing involves the use of large and powerful magnets cast from the shore and then dragged across the bottom of a river or other body of water to attract and pull up any items that might be down there.

Working in maintenance for McDonalds, Busch said he tries to get outside to pursue his hobby whenever he can.

To date, he’s hauled up more than 140 bicycles from local rivers and an assortment of other items including scooters, grocery carts, keys, and even a wheelchair. Several years ago, Busch found an antique gun in a river in Westbrook which was also more than a century old. That’s now displayed at the Westbrook Museum.

Taking metal out of the river helps improve the environment, Busch said. And much of the metal he retrieves while magnet fishing ends up being recycled.

The basic equipment for magnet fishing includes grappling hooks to snag objects that are coming out of the water and powerful magnets, sometimes weighing more than several hundred pounds.

Safety is also a priority for Busch when he’s magnet fishing. He wears durable protective gloves when handling the magnets and makes sure his footing on the shoreline is firm.

“You just never know what you are going to find when you set out to do this,” Busch said. “Through the years I’ve found an old safe, old padlocks and one time I found an old picnic table.”

Finding this antique Coke bottle in Windham though was really a special moment for him.

“To still be intact after all these years is incredible,” Busch said. “To imagine it staying all this time in one spot with the river current rushing past decade after decade is mind-boggling and to not have the glass broken is unthinkable.”

When he first brought the bottle home after finding it, his wife and two daughters thought that it was an awesome feat, but his wife suggested that Busch needed to find a permanent home elsewhere for it.

“She really doesn’t like piling up a lot of junk around our house,” he said.

Because the Coke bottle was underwater for over a century, it’s kind of fragile and people he spoke with about it suggested keeping it in water to help preserve it.

“We took it to Mr. Drew and His Animals Too in Lewiston, and he agreed to keep it in water and display it there for us,” Busch said. “Lots of people will be able to see it on display there.”

Choosing the Presumpscot River site in Windham was the idea of Busch’s friends from Canada who were magnet fishing with him that day.

“They wanted to check out that particular spot and I’m sure glad they did,” he said.

With so many bodies of water in the Lakes Region, Busch thinks he’ll never run out of spots to search while magnet fishing.

“There are so many ponds, and lakes in Raymond that I’ve never even been to,” he said. “When you do magnet fishing there is so much to explore. There are countless lakes, creeks, rivers, streams and the ocean which are all very close to us. I don’t think I will run out of places to go anytime soon.” <

Wireless Society of Southern Maine to participate in statewide exercise

For four hours, beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, members of the Wireless Society of Southern Maine Emergency Communications Team, which meets monthly in Windham, will participate in a statewide drill to test their communications capabilities between various different sites throughout Cumberland County and the state.

Todd Rogers of the Wireless Society of Southern Maine was
a participant in last year's statewide emergency
communications exercise in Maine. This shows the portable
ham radio setup he used during the exercise.
COURTESY PHOTO  

The drill, known as the Simulated Emergency Test, or SET, is an annual exercise, sponsored by the American Radio Relay League, which encourages amateur radio operators from across the country to test their communications skills during a mock disaster.

During the SET, hams are required to quickly establish communications between various Emergency Operations Centers and exchange formal messages and traffic, which contain requests for supplies, medical information, or weather reports, or other information that may be of importance during a disaster. They do this via voice, Morse code, and digital two-way radio, on bands ranging from HF to UHF, as required.

“Similar to previous years, there’s been statewide coordination for the SET, and Maine ARES and others have developed a plan that involves testing both amateur radio and EMA communications,” says Tim Watson, the founder and President of the Wireless Society of Southern Maine, which provides auxiliary communications support for Cumberland County EMA, as well as the National Weather Service. “The SET tests how we respond during large-scale disasters, where commercial infrastructure has failed. In these events, hams are often the only source of communications.”

Ham radio operators have met the challenge of stepping up when needed in Maine.

“The hams in our club are a dedicated group,” adds club Secretary, Brad Brown, of Waterboro. “Amateur radio has a long history of volunteerism. Sure, it’s a hobby and there’s some fun things that we do like lighthouse expeditions or competitive events like contesting, but so many like to stay sharp by providing support for community events, and drills like this, so they’ll be ready to offer their time and expertise when disaster strikes.”

The Wireless Society of Southern Maine’s Emergency Communications Team is participating in their 10th SET. After the event, the participants will do an assessment to determine how well they performed and look for areas to improve upon.

“There’s always new things to learn and ways to improve,” says Watson. "This year, we’ll be integrating Winlink and other digital modes, which are among our more advanced tools for message transmission. Our goal is to deepen our understanding of their capabilities and explore ways to enhance them for future use."

Amateur radios, also known as ham radios, require a special amateur license to use but offer distinct advantages over conventional GMRS radios. Many amateur ham radios are used for general communications among hobbyists, and are great for emergency usage, with the equipment being typically of better quality than average GMRS radios. On average most ham radios on the market have a signal range between 25 miles to 300 miles.

For further details about amateur radio, or the Wireless Society of Southern Maine, please visit http://www.mainehamradio.com <

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.”