Two candidates from Sanford are running for a seat in the Maine House representing District 141, which includes Newfield, Shapleigh and part of Sanford.

Lucas Lanigan, a Republican, is running against John McAdam, a Democrat.

Lanigan did not respond to requests for information about his candidacy.

Here is a look at McAdam’s priorities and positions on some key issues.

Q: What are your top priorities and why?

I will strive to protect our natural resources and make sure that the governor’s “Maine Won’t Wait,” a four-year plan for climate action, will be followed in the legislature. As a farmer I see climate change first hand. It is important to ensure that Land for Maine’s Future has the funding it needs to protect farmland, forests and commercial waterfronts. Our property is a Forever Farm. As the climate warms farmers will have longer growing seasons and will be able to grow other crops they couldn’t previously. Food insecurity affects children, seniors and whole families and is also an issue very important to me. We have donated tons of apples and squashes over the years to the York County Shelter. As the Sanford Farmers Market Manager, I brought access to SNAP/EBT (food stamps) to the market. We had programs that gave SNAP customers access to more fruits and vegetables.

Q; What are your biggest concerns about the economy right now and what should the Legislature do to address them?

Inflation is global. Make applying for heating assistance easier for those that need it. Be sure Maine citizens are aware of Efficiency Maine that can help with home weatherization. Make sure the utilities are not price gouging. The price of fuels will affect the cost of electricity and combined will affect the cost of food. Encourage citizens to shop local. No Farms No Food.

Q: Do you support changing Maine’s abortion law to make it more or less restrictive and how?

Less restrictive. I would like to see it enshrined in our State Constitution. I also believe a woman’s reproductive health is between her and her physician and no one else except maybe her partner.

Q: Do you believe President Biden won the 2020 election fairly?

Joe Biden is our president. Anyone who believes there is voter fraud should volunteer (you get paid for your time) as an election clerk to witness the process. There are a number of checks and balances after the elections close. Voting absentee in Maine is pretty easy but it should be made permanent so it can’t be changed.

AT A GLANCE

City/Town: Sanford

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Farmer and owner of McDougal Orchards in Springvale.

Education: BS in nautical science from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1972

Civic/Political Experience: Planning Board and Site Plan Review Committee for 10 years; Charter Review committee and Mineral Extraction Task Force; Board of the Nasson Community Center; election clerk and a Town Meeting member; president of the Wyman Point Road Association, a private road association on Balch Lake; board of Balch Lake Improvement Association, battling invasive milfoil; Friends of Downtown. Previous boards include: Board of the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets; market manager for the Sanford Farmers’ Market for 10 years; board for Sanford Young Life as treasurer; board of Partners for a Hunger Free York County; board of Sanford Downtown Legacy; president of the local chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees

Website, Facebook

 

— Juliana Vandermark

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