Age: 43

Running for: House District 121

Party: Democrat

Residence: Cape Elizabeth since 2003

Family: wife of Tom Clarke and mother of two

Education: bachelor’s from University of Vermont; law degree from Northeastern University in Boston

Occupation: Lawyer

House District 121 incumbent Democrat Cynthia Dill spearheaded legislation to exempt high-performing and efficient school districts, including Cape Elizabeth, from having to consolidate – a highlight in what she called “a productive first term.”

Dill, 43, has lived in Cape Elizabeth since 2003 with her husband, Tom Clarke. A native of Carmel, N.Y., Dill received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont before attending law school at Northeastern University in Boston. The mother of two has been practicing law since 1994.

Dill has also been involved in local politics as a town councilor. She said she was recruited to run for the House and found that she enjoyed the work and is “really excited to continue serving.”

“I think I can continue to make balanced and constructive decisions and represent the people of Cape Elizabeth well in Augusta,” she said.

Though Dill did not believe consolidation was appropriate for Cape Elizabeth schools, she thinks the law “was the right thing to do for the state,” but said there’s still some work to be done to “smooth out the rough edges.” She said she knows it’s not a perfect solution for several towns, but that many of the smaller districts were spending too much money on administrative costs.

“I’m open to improving it to make it work,” she said.

Dill also thinks there’s room for improving Dirigo Health, but is in favor of funding the program through the so-called beverage tax.

“It’s a solution that was voted on by a majority, and I’m going to support it,” she said.

Dill, however, is not in favor of bringing a casino to Oxford County. She said she doesn’t support casinos in general, because she doesn’t think it’s the answer to what Maine needs, which is high-paying, quality jobs.

What Dill does think Maine should invest in is higher education and research and development. In the the coming years, she believes the state will also have to work on its energy policies in order to promote conservation and reduce carbon emissions.

Cynthia Dill