Boyer

HOUSE DISTRICT 123: Part of Cape Elizabeth

MICHELLE BOYER

Address: 333 Fowler Road, Cape Elizabeth

Contact info: michelleformaine@gmail.com

Relevant experience: I am well versed in the legislative process after successfully working with Sen. Anne Carney to enact a bill that I believe is important to Maine families and women. After I cofounded a community organization, Restore the Floor, to advocate and provide resources for women, I approached Sen. Carney with the idea of improving postpartum care and health insurance coverage for Maine women. I am pleased to say the governor signed the bill. I also assisted the gun safety caucus of the Maine Legislature where I participated in robust debates around gun safety and potential legislative bills. I also serve as a member of Cape Elizabeth’s Conservation Committee and volunteer my time throughout our community. Having had these enriching experiences, I’m enthusiastic about creating additional meaningful legislation as your elected state representative.

Why are you running for office? I was inspired to run for office after I brought a bill idea to Sen. Carney, to improve postpartum health care and worked to assist in the bill being enacted. I am running for office to help build a strong future for all Mainers.

What are your top three legislative priorities? I am interested in working hard to achieve positive outcomes for all Mainers. Specifically, I would like to focus on property tax relief through strengthening the homestead exemption. I hope to continue making positive progress on firearm safety by building on the work that was done in the last session. It’s important that we continue to move forward with Maine’s climate plan and I am looking forward to seeing the new report due at the end of this year and will work diligently to achieve the goals laid out.

Christy

ANNIE CHRISTY

Address: PO Box 2648, South Portland

Contact info: AnnieChristy4House.com, AnnieChristy4House@icloud.com

Relevant experience: I was educated as a marriage and family therapist and migrated into advocating for better policies and legislation to improve the lives of children, families and communities. I have extensive experience and a proven track record working on legislative issues and have spearheaded domestic violence prevention programs and legislation that culminated in new laws to protect victims. I’ve also successfully supported and advocated for childhood health and educational programs for young children, and have spearheaded programs aimed at preventing child abuse. I’ve also worked on environmental programs including Earth Day, Stormwater Drain Project and the removal of household toxic materials from the home.

Why are you running for office? My life was perfect until about the age of 8 years old when my world began to unravel. My mother became addicted to barbiturates and my father lost his job. I was thrust into a new role. I became my mother’s caretaker and a parent to my brothers and sisters. There was little food in the house. Life at home was chaotic and confusing. My siblings and I were eventually removed from home and placed into the foster care system. I found refuge in an orphanage where I thrived as a cheerleader and lover of the arts. I went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees and also studied at Sorbonne University in Paris. But the story was not as successful for many of my siblings who chose to return home; two brothers died, and one sister became addicted to drugs and died. Through my experience, I developed a passion for helping the vulnerable, abused children and victims of domestic violence. My experience at the orphanage taught me not to be ashamed or a victim of my circumstances. It taught me self-reliance – a much-needed critical skill for surviving in today’s world. I now want to use my grit and determination to help others as I was helped. To help people get off drugs as a memorial to my younger sister. I care deeply about what happens here. My only agenda is to fairly represent my constituents.

What are your top three legislative priorities? Lower taxes; drug abuse and homelessness issues; energy alternatives; health care and mental health concerns.