SENATE DISTRICT 25: Cumberland, Falmouth, Gray, North Yarmouth, part of Long Island, part of Yarmouth

Democrat and incumbent Teresa Pierce is opposed by Republican James Read, president of American Aerial Services, a crane operating and steel erection company, according to his LinkedIn page. Read did not respond to The Forecaster’s questionnaire.

Pierce

TERESA PIERCE

City/town: Falmouth

What do you do professionally?

Prior to serving in the Legislature, I worked for over 20 years in the nonprofit sector focusing on education and environmental conservation.

Please give a brief rundown of your leadership experience.

Falmouth Town Council, 2008-2014 (serving twice as council chair); Maine House of Representatives, 2014-2022 (Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, 2018-2022, and Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, 2014-2018); Maine Senate 2022-present (Housing Committee, 2022-present; Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, 2022-present); Maine Coast Heritage Trust Communication Committee, 2018-present; and National Council of State Legislatures Task Force on Higher Education, 2022-present.

What are your top priorities and why?

Housing – we have made historic investments in housing for the past two years, but there is still much work to be done to make sure that all Mainers have an affordable place to live.

Economy – addressing rising utility costs, investing in infrastructure and improving broadband accessibility and service quality.

Educational funding – maintain our commitment to providing 55% state funding and focus on finding better ways to fund school construction projects that provide more state funding to communities.

Climate resiliency – it is essential to keep seeking solutions that assist communities in tackling sea-level rise and the increasing frequency of extreme storms.

What are your top two concerns about the economy, and what would you do to address them if reelected to the Legislature?

Inflation and property tax relief. We must ensure that the funds owed to municipalities, 55% educational funding and 5% revenue sharing continue. In addition, we should find more opportunities to lower the cost of prescription drugs and housing.