Two Saco residents are competing for an open seat in the Maine House representing District 14.

Lynn Copeland is a Democrat and two-term Saco city councilor who works as a legal assistant. Theodore Sirois is a Republican who works as an equipment technician.

Here are their answers to questions on a series of issues.

Copeland

Maine’s COVID-19 response: The overall response worked, as evidenced by the relatively low numbers. If there was more compliance and enforcement of mask wearing, the numbers of those effected could have been even lower.

State budget: Cut discretionary spending, increase revenue while protecting the needy. Entice businesses to Maine to broaden the tax base and create jobs. Local option sales tax for towns to target needs.

Pressing issue for young Mainers: The most pressing matter facing first time voters is climate change. Immediate scientific action is required to combat this clear and present threat.

Political fighting: The stifling of progress by politicians is unfair to voters who expect them to do their job. I will listen to all views and speak truth with respect while working toward the best result.

Is there anything in particular that you hope to accomplish? As a therapeutic foster parent, I have seen many youths at risk. The foster care system needs more support and creative solutions.

For more information on Lynn Copeland, visit https://www.facebook.com/CopelandforSaco/ or www.LynnCopelandSaco.com

Sirois

Are you satisfied with the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic? No. Restrictions on certain counties should have been lifted sooner allowing them to decide their own regulations. All elected officials should have been “critical employees” and continued working.

How to balance state budget: An across the board cut instituted on all departments then the Legislature should reconvene to restore funding to them on a one-on-one basis after all pandemic related obligations have been payed.

Most pressing matter for young Mainers: This generation of Mainers must break our century old cycle of leaving Maine for better economic opportunities elsewhere and focus on improving Maine’s business climate to provide them jobs here.

Political fighting: Although I cannot control the actions of a PAC, if one attacks my political opponent with outright lies or exaggerations, I would immediately contact the press and disavow what has been said .

Is there anything in particular that you hope to accomplish?  Get Augusta to help us deal with Saco’s Camp Ellis beach erosion problem and get hundreds of students out of the rusty trailers at Young School because these issues have been ignored for too long.

For more information on Theodore Sirois, go to https://www.facebook.com/Theodorefor2020/

Comments are not available on this story.