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| 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!”
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!”
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