Stan Gerzofsky

Age: 69

Occupation: Furniture maker

Political background: Democrat; four terms in the Maine House of Representatives; three terms in the Maine State Senate

Times Record: Why are you running for office?

Stan Gerzofsky: To continue making a difference in the lives of my constituents and all Maine residents.

TR: What are the top three issues you’ll have to deal with if elected?

SG: Jobs, Environmental protection, Improving our educational system

TR: What skills or strengths do you bring to office?

SG: I have track record of translating constituents needs into laws that solve problems.

TR: Why should voters choose you?

SG: I have the experience and commitment necessary to make a difference in Augusta. I understand the process and use it to benefit my constituents and the State of Maine.

K. Frederick “Fred” Horch

Age: 44

Occupation: Business Owner

Political background: Green Independent

Times Record: Why are you running for office?

Frederick Horch: We need change now. As Senator Angus King recently said, voters are tired of the choices that they’re being given and they’re very tired of the partisan gridlock. If we really want to solve problems and move Maine forward, we need more independent voices in our state senate.

TR: What are the top three issues you’ll have to deal with if elected?

FH: I will introduce legislation for a Maine Permanent Fund for job growth and economic security, a solar grid for affordable energy and pollution prevention, and voter choice for honest elections and grassroots democracy. Maine’s weak economy, unaffordable health care, and partisan gridlock are three issues our state senator must deal with. If I’m elected, I will help our senate make better decisions. As Thoreau wrote, “There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root.” The root of our political deadlock is having only Democrats and Republicans in office. Over and over they cannot agree on issues like our tax code, health care system and education funding. I’ll be in a unique position to break up the two-party gridlock, so better ideas will get a fair hearing in Augusta. I will create change in our legislature so we can make forward progress.

TR: What skills or strengths do you bring to office?

FH: As an entrepreneur and attorney, I understand the complexities of legislation. I listen and solve problems, whether running a store on Maine Street or organizing a statewide summit in Augusta. But my daily experience as a husband and parent and active citizen in our community will guide my decisions.

TR: Why should voters choose you?

FH: We need change now. We can’t wait two years for the incumbent to term out before we start fixing Augusta. I have the education, the experience, and the political independence to be effective working for you in the Maine senate immediately. This election is about opportunity. You can change how our senate works. You can change how we create jobs and protect the financial welfare of every resident. You can change how we power our economy and prevent pollution. You can change our electoral system so we never vote in fear of party vote-splitting again. Vote Horch for a change.

Comments are not available on this story.