EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series of articles previewing local races for the Maine Legislature. Election Day is Nov. 6.

A well-known figure in Democratic Party circles and at the State House is opposed by a Realtor who also seeks re-election to the Bath City Council, for the right to represent District 62 in the Maine House.

The seat became available when Rep. Michael Clarke, DBath, decided not to seek reelection. District 62 encompasses an area — all in Bath — from the north side of Rose Street to north Bath, and east of Tarbox Street.

DeChant, the Democrat, said she was raised with a strong work ethic and strives to work toward solutions. “Otherwise,” she said, “you just can’t complain.”

DeChant said she seeks “innovative approaches” to improving public education and rejects the notion that the state is spending too much money on it.

“There’s no money sitting on the table waiting to be poured down education,” she said.

Regarding state cuts in revenue sharing, DeChant said she would stand up for Bath.

“We’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg on the impacts on state revenue-sharing cuts,” she said. “It’s balloon economics — you push here, but where is it coming out on the other end?”

DeChant said she “is not ashamed to admit” her support for same-sex marriage.

And she supports all the bond issues on the ballot. “It’s a way to leverage funds, most often federal matching money, in support of infrastructure projects,” she said.

DeChant believes her previous jobs in the House Majority Office and in the Office of the Speaker of the House would serve her well as a legislator.

“I have a real insight into what it takes to be in the Legislature, without being in the Legislature,” she said of her time in the Majority Office. “I am keenly aware of the amount of time and effort it takes to do this, and the nuances. There’s a big learning curve.”

DeChant is endorsed by AFL-CIO, Local 6 (BIW); Equality Maine, Maine Education Association; and the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine.

Rogers said he is running two races because he was told he is still needed on the Bath City Council.

“I’m the voice of reason for conservatives out there,” the Republican said. “I want to serve the people, not special interests.”

Rogers declined public funding for his campaign.

“I took no taxpayer money,” he said. “I’ve walked down the streets of the city and knocked on doors.”

Lawmakers must look for efficiencies in state government, Rogers said.

“The 125th Legislature did a good job, and the 126th needs to keep going in the same direction,” he said. “When push comes to shove, there’s only so much tax revenue to go around.”

One good way to address that problem, Rogers says: Identify redundancies and inefficiencies in state government. Rogers, who served for 10 years in the Navy, said he will not support wasteful projects.

As an example, he mentioned the ongoing effort to install artificial turf at the Morse High School football field. The city council had voted in favor of that years ago, Rogers recalled, and he generated a petition against the move. By a 2-to-1 margin, the proposal was overturned, he said.

“That, to me, in a recession, is wasteful spending,” Roger said.

Rogers said he opposes all bond issues on the Nov. 6 ballot.

“Until they start putting out truth-in-lending statements that show the taxpayers how much money they’re actually borrowing,” he said, “I’m against them.”

Asked his position on samesex marriage, Rogers would only say that he favors civil unions.

“I’ll support whatever Maine chooses,” he said.

Rogers said he wants to continue his service to his city, state and country. Looking out for the taxpayers, especially in a time when money is tight, is at the top of his list.