Former State Sen. Linda Baker will take on Sagadahoc County Treasurer Rebecca Jauch in a race for the new redistricted House District 51 seat this November. The winner will represent most of Topsham, which previously comprised House District 54.
Baker, a longtime Topsham resident, served as a Republican member of the Maine State Senate from 2014 through 2016. A retired Mt. Ararat teacher, Baker is focused on improving education, as well as strengthening the economy.
Jauch (pronounced “Yowk”) has spent her professional career in the armed services and other government agencies, as well as volunteering on several local boards and committees. A mother of two young children, she hopes to institute universal public pre-kindergarten and help develop more affordable housing.
The winner of the Nov. 8 general election will serve a two-year term.
Q&A with Linda Baker
Tell the voters about yourself.
I am a retired Mt. Ararat High School English Teacher who has called Topsham home for over 40 years. My late husband, Skip, and I raised our family here, and my grandkids still attend our SAD 75 schools. I have served as state senator, Topsham selectwoman, Topsham Fair board director, president of the Legion auxiliary and numerous volunteer positions.
Why are you running for this seat?
We need leaders who are willing to listen, to put aside petty partisan bickering and deliver for the people they represent. We need to bring civility back to State Government. I will work with anyone, Republican, Democrat or Independent to tackle issues like making childcare more affordable, providing kids with the skills they need to succeed and learn, keeping our seniors safe, and helping Mainers combat the rising cost of home heating fuel and gasoline.
What are the biggest challenges or concerns facing your district in the coming term?
Inflation is wreaking havoc on neighbors worried about keeping their oil tanks filled and food on the table. That same inflation makes it difficult for people looking to rent or buy homes or stay in their existing homes due to rising property taxes. Mainers are tightening their budgets just to get by, and Maine government needs to do the same. The federal government will not be bailing states out with billions like recent pandemic years.
What are your top priorities if elected?
Education remains a top concern. We see the effects of COVID shutdowns on our kids and need to focus on those “left behind.” I also want to expand high school apprenticeship opportunities so students can get a head start and earn credit toward a trade while in school and be ahead of the game when they graduate. As Senator, I introduced legislation to remove toxic fire-retardant chemicals from manufactured products like furniture and worked with stakeholders until its eventual passage. I am committed to working with legislators in both parties to find responsible solutions to the impacts of PFAS.
Q&A with Rebecca Jauch
Tell voters about yourself.
I am married and have a 7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter. I grew up in Brunswick but have called Topsham home for the last six years. I’m an active volunteer in our community where I am on the Topsham Board of Appeals, Friends of Williams-Cone, the Williams-Cone Playground Committee, and the Friends of the Topsham Public Library. I am also the Sagadahoc County treasurer and will graduate with my master’s degree in statistics next spring.
Why are you running for this seat?
I’m running because I love our community and believe I have the skillset necessary to be an effective advocate for us in Augusta. I have over 15 years of federal government experience as a CIA officer, Army interrogator, and ATF inspector. I know how to work well on a team and am a thoughtful listener who is adept at building personal relationships. I have the drive and energy to work hard for all of us.
What are the biggest challenges or concerns facing your district in the coming term?
I’ve knocked on over 2,000 doors in Topsham, and one of the primary themes I hear is concern for Maine’s future. A strong economy depends on attracting more young people and families to our state; however, Maine’s lack of affordable housing and childcare creates barriers to this goal. We can address these obstacles by prioritizing the creation of more housing and childcare options, as well as instituting universal public pre-kindergarten.
What are your top priorities if elected?
My first priority will be to continue to listen to my community so that I can best represent our needs in Augusta. I will work to build strong relationships with my fellow legislators, regardless of party, because that is the foundation of successful teamwork and the key to passing legislation. Government is a tool that is meant to be used for the benefit of all people, and I am ready to get to work.
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