Don Marean of Hollis, a Republican, is selling some of his horses to ease the workload at his farm, as he looks to keep his seat in Maine House District 131.

Democrat Bonita Breault of Buxton again is his opponent. Mareaun defeated two years ago by Don Marean.

His district represents Hollis and part of Buxton. “I know I’m making a difference,” he said about serving in Augusta.

Marean, 65, is a farmer. He and his wife, Linda, have been married 47 years and have three children and three grandchildren.

They founded Lindon Farm in 1988 and have 40 horses there. He described working the farm and serving in Legislature as both being a labor of love. He previously owned Standish Hardware.

Although a Republican, Marean can work both sides of the political isle at the State House. He persuaded Gov. John Baldacci to name a Democrat as commissioner of agriculture instead of a Republican, whom Marean believed was not qualified.

He also opposed a Republican nominee to the state’s racing commission, and Baldacci withdrew the nominee’s name. “He wasn’t the man for the job,” Marean explained.

Marean serves on the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. He hopes to remain on that committee, believing that’s where he can contribute the most. In harness racing, he fought for more money for drug testing and he was named to a dairy task force this fall by Speaker of the House John Richardson.

Marean believes tax reform is important, but thinks the Taxpayer Bill of Rights would be too restrictive for municipalities. “It’s a great idea, but I think it has problems.”

A graduate of Standish High School, Marean said local school districts would be hurt if TABOR passed. He said the proposal in Maine is unlike the one in Colorado, which is more like LD 1. “We did get started, but it’s not enough,” he said about tax reform.

In health care, Marean wants affordable insurance for everyone. Marean believes Dirigo Choice would have to be totally revamped to make it work.

“Dirigo health is a disaster,” Marean said.

Marean, who owned Standish Hardware for 30 years, has a business background, with 40 years of retail experience. “I’m concerned about small business,” he said.

He said the state has a good work force and should aid business by reviewing taxes and fees. He opposes a proposed water tax because he worries it would cause Poland Spring to pull out of Hollis. “We can fix problems we have by stop spending,” Marean said.

In past legislation, Marean voted against the equal rights law because he felt everyone was already protected under the law.

Marean said it would have been a good thing to pick up part of the health-care costs for retiring firefighters and police officers, but voted against such a measure becausehe didn’t think the state’s couldn’t bear the expense.

He’s asking for support to continue laboring for voters in his district. “I’m a farmer, and know hard work. I’m not afraid of hard work,” Marean said.

Cutline (Don Marean)