Phyllis Ginzler, R

Age: 67

Address: Blue Jay Lane, Bridgton

Occupation: Retired National Sales Manager

Political Experience: None

Q: How do you plan to make a difference for your communities if elected to the Legislature?

A: I am honored to be a candidate for District 69. As such, I am asking voters to place their trust in me to represent their best interests in Augusta.

Our citizens deserve intelligent representation on the critical issues of our time: Economic growth, fiscal responsibility, access to health care and educational choices. My background in business coupled with my MBA in finance will be useful in focusing on effective economic growth opportunities for our region.

I plan to be a strong voice for the taxpayer who bears the financial burden of decisions made in Augusta, holding government feet to the fire in crafting a responsible and sustainable budget. My background in education as a middle school teacher prepares me well for representing parents who desire the best education for their children. My connection with Bridgton Hospital, as a patient advocate and president of the Bridgton Hospital Guild, will enable me to underscore the importance of maintaining a strong rural health-care system.

Lastly, I have a strong opinion about lawmaking: Decisions that affect the lives of our citizens should be made as locally as possible.

Lisa Villa, D

Age: 49

Address: P.O. Box 427, Harrison

Occupation: Legislator/flight attendant

Political Experience: Maine State Representative (2012-2014), Harrison Board of Selectman (2006-2012), Chairwoman Cumberland County Finance Committee (2010-2012), Co-Chairwoman Cumberland County Charter Commission (2009-2012), Vice-Chairwoman Community Development Block Grant Municipal Oversight Committee

Q: How do you plan to make a difference for your communities if elected to the Legislature?

A: If reelected, I will continue to work with Ernie Martin, project development manager for MDOT, to oversee the Route 302 multi-million dollar rebuild between Fryeburg and Bridgton. I will continue to advocate for seniors and veterans access to health care and bring to light problems that affect citizens in rural areas, which often differ from highly populated, well-represented areas of the state.

I have a reputation for working across the aisle with other legislators on bills that will create greater transparency and more accountability within state government. In fact, I was endorsed by Republican state Rep. Corey Wilson of Augusta. Gov. Paul LePage signed two bills into law that I was instrumental in gathering support for, LD 345 and LD 872. I am proud of my work in Augusta and am dismayed by the attacks by my opponent for the time I missed in the Legislature after my father passed away, and after I slipped and broke my tailbone. Their committee claimed I voted to increase auto registration fees, when roll call shows I voted not to increase them. Politics? No, just trying to misrepresent my record to fool our voters, because my opponent has no record to run on since she moved to Maine just two years ago.

I love my district, our people and our state, and I will continue to use my voice and votes to ensure our regional values, and those of our people, are well represented in Augusta.

Phyllis Ginzler, RLisa Villa, D