Republican Timothy Keenan and Democrat Erin Sheehan are running for an open seat in House District 12, which represents part of Biddeford.

Keenan, who is retired, earned a bachelor’s degree at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Sheehan is a bar owner/manager and earned a bachelor’s degree from Clark University.

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

Keenan

The state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Not satisfied. The state over-reached both its own authority and the limits of common sense. Restricting healthy persons freedom of movement and commerce to the degree it has done is inexcusable.

How to balance state budget: Reducing the State’s payroll would be an excellent start. Terminating non-essential programs may also be necessary. Raiding the Rainy Day Fund even before there was a crisis is highly irresponsible.

Young Mainers: All Mainers, especially the young, should denounce and abhor any government that spends their tax dollars foolishly. The record of the current government is abysmal and needs to change.

Political fighting: With absolute control of the Legislature and Executive, the current regime has governed without any meaningful participation by the minority party. If reversed, that would not occur.

Goals: Re-focus education to provide a broader emphasis on skills. Commit more resources to improve public transportation. Control spending by reducing the State payroll and better prioritizing programs.

For more information on Keenan, visit https://www.facebook.com/TimKeenanForBiddeford

Sheehan 

The state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic: I’m generally satisfied with the state’s science-led approach. In some cases, industries could have used more notice and less back-and-forth to react, but overall we were guided well to reopen safely.

State budget: We need to tap the state’s reserves, find savings that won’t compromise vital services, ensure our tax system helps working families and small businesses, and push for federal investment.

Most pressing issue for young Mainers:  The next generation of Mainers will be addressing climate change and working to sustain our state’s traditional industries while building new ones like clean energy and aquaculture.

Political fighting: I will work tirelessly to represent my neighbors, collaborating with my colleagues in good faith and good humor to promote legislation that makes life better in Biddeford and across Maine.

Goals:  I want to keep housing affordable, make health care accessible, and increase economic opportunity so Biddeford can be a vibrant city where everyone has a chance to contribute and enjoy.

For more information on Erin Sheehan, visit https://www.facebook.com/erinsheehanformainehouse

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