Last week, the members of the 127th Maine Legislature took their seats at the State House. While some won in landslides and others eked out the victory, all made promises during the campaign about what they’d do if elected.

Election after election, voters get amped up for the big day in hopes of a new atmosphere in government. But, once the winners take office, we hardly remember all the things said during the campaign. Granted, circumstances change and new issues come to the fore, but legislators have a tendency to say one thing during the campaign and do something else when seated. Many others sound impressively bipartisan prior to the election and then do nothing but follow the party line.

Below are some of the words our local senators and representatives wrote in candidate profiles that appeared in the Current during the recent campaign. The point of this exercise is to remind legislators, and voters, what was promised. We urge our representatives to stay true to their words, since their statements were the basis for how people voted.

–John Balentine, managing editor

Sen. Rebecca Millett, D, District 29 (Cape Elizabeth, South Portland and part of Scarborough.):

• “Ten years ago Maine citizens directed the state to provide 55 percent of the cost for public education. By not doing so, our town budgets face undo pressure to make up the difference.”

• “I am also committed to moving Maine’s energy policy forward. Maine is the only New England state that does not have a solar incentive program and we spend up to $5 billion annually on imported oil. That’s why I will work hard to make sure Mainers have options when it comes to cost effective, clean alternatives.”

Sen. Amy Volk, R, District 30 (Gorham, parts of Scarborough, Buxton.):

• “I strongly believe that we will continue to struggle to make ends meet on the state level until we invite investment into our state. The most effective way to do that is by lowering our income tax.”

• “I am dedicated to finding creative ways to lower taxes, especially for those aged 60 and up.”

Rep. Heather Sirocki, R, District 28 (part of Scarborough):

• “To lower energy costs, I will continue to support lifting the cap on hydropower so that our state can increase access to this affordable, clean, reliable and renewable energy source. I also support lowering our income tax, which will help retain and attract a higher skilled workforce.”

• “I will also, once again, support comprehensive welfare reform that enforces the appropriate use of benefits and job placement programs, which will ultimately assist individuals as they transition from dependence to self-reliance.”

Rep. Andrew McLean, D, District 27 (parts of Gorham, Scarborough):

• “Our state faces real challenges – the need for tax reform, to invest in our transportation infrastructure, to open new markets for Maine goods, to create jobs for Maine people, and to preserve and promote our environment.”

• “I will continue to work on the important issues of transportation reform, tax reform, health care reform and workforce development.”

Rep. Karen Vachon, R, District 29 (part of Scarborough):

• “I think it’s important to manage our state budget like we do our household budget. If you’re able to work – work, cut up the credit cards and live within your means. We need to balance our needs against our wants.”

• “My mission is to engage, connect and encourage people in District 29 to vote. I would like to be your voice and I am committed to connecting with you.”

Rep. Kimberly J. Monaghan-Derrig, D, District 30 (part of Cape Elizabeth):

• “The 127th Legislature will present legislation aimed at helping older Mainers with property tax relief, along with investing in home-care options and increasing access to affordable housing.”

Rep. Terry Morrison, D, District 31 (part of South Portland):

• “I will re-submit my solar rebate bill from last session that would allow homeowners to receive a $2,000 rebate from Efficiency Maine when installing solar panels on their homes.”

Rep. Scott Hamann, D, District 32 (parts of Cape Elizabeth and South Portland):

• “I will stand up for economic fairness, as I did in my first term, by sponsoring “An Act to Adjust Maine’s Minimum Wage Annually Based on Cost-of-living Changes.”

• “I will protect municipal revenue sharing, which will keep our property taxes down.”

Rep. Kevin Battle, R, District 33 (part of South Portland):

• “We all want clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, good jobs with good pay and benefits, lower taxes and a better future for our children. We need to work together more, bicker less, and work toward these common goals.”