Rep. Maggie O’Neil is facing a challenge from March Chappell for the seat representing House District 15 in Saco.

O’Neil is a Democrat who is studying law at the University of Maine School of Law and has served in the Legislature for four years. Chappell is a Republican and works as a firefighter.

Here are their responses to questions about a series of issues.

Chappell

Are you satisfied with the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic? No. Hospital capacities showed they were not overrun with patients, the state should have been opened earlier. Especially the counties that had very low numbers. Small business have been devastated.

State budget: Every aspect of the budget will be reduced. Hiring freezes. All state entities will have to take a cut across the board. Non-priority projects will be shelfed. Open up the state to increase revenues.

Most pressing matter pertaining to young Mainers: Keeping the young generation living in Maine. Create good paying jobs and bring in good companies. Need more focus on technical careers and jobs in the trades. We have the oldest population in the USA.

Is there anything in particular that you hope to accomplish? Everyone’s goal should be to recover Maine from this pandemic and commit to rejuvenating all small businesses, creating jobs and getting all citizens to a quality of life they desire.

For more informationon Marc Chappell, go to www.facebook.come/chappell4saco or www.facebook.com/mchappell2

O’Neil

Are you satisfied with the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic? Yes. Two opportunities to improve are transparency in process and increased community and stakeholder input, especially for small businesses, in putting together practical and effective guidelines.

State budget: Maine is already in a stronger position than other states because we have prepared by reserving $258 million in the “Rainy Day Fund.” We will need to tighten our belts and examine revenue loopholes.

Most pressing matter pertaining to young Mainers: Young people want to vote for leaders who are actually fighting for a better world for all of us. That includes addressing climate change, student debt, health care access, and societal injustices.

Is there anything in particular that you hope to accomplish? This term, I led efforts to require big pharma companies to fund addiction treatment and prevention in Maine. I will build on that success to help more of our neighbors access health care and support.

To learn more about Maggie O’Neil, go to facebook.com/oneilforstaterep or Instagram: repmaggieoneil

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