Name: David Dutremble
Date of birth: August 21, 1967
Family: Wife, Charlene; Son, Christopher Lagueux, 26; Son, Matthew Lagueux, 22; Daughter, Morgan Dutremble, 16; Son, Austin Dutremble, 13; Daughter, Mackenzie, 3
Residence: Biddeford
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Lieutenant / Firefighter/EMT, Biddeford Fire Department
Education: HS, Emergency Medical Technician
Political experience: None. Union official
Publicly financed candidate? Yes

1. Why are you running for office?
If I’m not happy with the way things are, I need to try to help make the changes needed. My mother worried about her Social Security, my oldest son moved cross-country to find a job with good pay and security, and now my next two are contemplating the same thing. I see Maine struggling with budgets and feel we need better control or accountability of expenditures, while helping those in need.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
I am a Democrat but I fully believe in bipartisanship. Until we can put our parties aside and agree what is best for the state and our people and not worry who gets the blame or praises, we will continue to go nowhere. We need to keep Maine an affordable place to live! Creating a better economy to attract jobs and therefore keeping our children and attracting others to Maine.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
Voters in my district many are concerned about rising cost of health insurance, rising utility cost, creating opportunities for better jobs and the need to provide affordable education opportunities.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
I believe that our officials are trying to improve the state’s economy but how to get there is a difficult task. We need continued bipartisan relations in Augusta to achieve this and many other issues. Once we all work together regardless of parties, we can put our energies to the real problems.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to keep Maine an affordable place to live by controlling excessive spending. I want to learn and grow in Augusta and will work with whomever I need to ... Democrats, Republicans or Independents. I have no agenda on my part other then to do what is right for the people of District 4 and Maine.

Name: Donald Pilon
Date of birth: Age 60
Family: Wife, Linsey; married daughter
Residence: Saco
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Real Estate Broker, The Maine Real Estate Network
Education: BA, UNE
Political experience: Four terms, Maine House of Representatives
Publicly financed candidate? Yes

1. Why are you running for office?
In eight years I have built considerable knowledge and have a proven track record. Being elected would allow me to continue to serve and be a resource for the community. Maine needs stronger planning protocols to project effects of changes in demographics and economic engines. I believe, with my experience and connections, I will continue to be a valuable contributor to the planning process to grow our state.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The state's economy, and how to be innovative in growing it. We need draw talented Maine business leaders and organizations into our decision-making process. We need to reduce energy costs, improve our transportation system and provide incentives to start-ups and relocations. We need to broaden the levels of trained workers to include degreed managers, administrators and educators so we can offer "the complete package."

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
Cuts in state budgets mean cities and towns must increase taxes and fees and or reduce services. Maine has one of the oldest populations in the country. If taxes and fees go up, more seniors may lose their homes or be forced to decide between paying taxes and paying for health needs. We can't afford to endanger that population. That's not the Maine way.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
With cuts to higher education, I'm concerned students won’t be able to get classes to prepare for the job market or be able to afford state schools. Those students may forgo higher education, or leave Maine to be educated. We must guard against a short-sighted approach to loosened environmental controls – meant to attract business - which could have long-term detrimental effects.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
will work to grow Maine's economy by ensuring adequate educational opportunities for young people to be productive in new types of jobs that must be created in Maine in order to strengthen our future. I will build on established collaborations between public and private sectors to create training and educational opportunities.

Name: Linda Valentino
Date of birth: 1956
Family: Husband, Curtis Scamman; daughter, Kate Scamman; step-daughter, Libby Collins; step-son, Joe Scamman
Residence: Saco
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Maine State Representative
Education: BA, USM; Paralegal certification, Andover College
Political experience: Four-term state representative, former Saco city councilor
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign website: www.lindavalentino.com

1. Why are you running for office?
Being a lifelong resident of Maine, I care about the State. I am a strong advocate for my constituents. I have earned a reputation among my fellow Legislators as someone who listens to both sides of an issue, does her homework, and votes for what I believe is in the best interest of the people. That is what I think Maine people want.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Dealing with the economic recession and having a plan for its recovery. We need to balance declining revenues against a greater demand for services due to high unemployment, and at the same time invest money in areas to help put people back to work.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
All 5 towns in District 5 are concerned about the economy and jobs. I would like to serve on the Transportation committee to make sure more State money goes to Southern Maine to help create jobs; work on having the Downeaster stop in OOB on a year-round basis; and work to bring the state share of education to 55% as previously voted.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
As a member of the Regulatory and Reform Committee, I toured the entire State and heard from thousands of businesses. LD 1 was crafted to address a multitude of concerns such as reducing red tape, streamlining applications, and having a business advocate. I was proud of the bi-partisan work we did. I support a transportation and research/development bond package to further stimulate the economy.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Government reform. For 8 years, I have sponsored numerous bills that failed. One was to stop legislators from double-dipping by getting MCEA funds and having a PAC on the side. I tried to create a more transparent, efficient and accountable legislature that would save taxpayers $15 per budget. I have advocated for reforms for lobbyists and less bills being submitted. Change in Augusta will not come about by sending new faces into the same old system, we need to reform government.

Name: James Boyle
Date of birth: August 19, 1958
Family: Partner, Sue Durst; Children, Jared Boyle, 23, Lindsay Boyle, 21, Devin Durst, 25, Cody Durst, 23
Residence: Gorham
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Owner: Boyle Associates Environmental Consultants and Avant Dance & Event Center
Education: B.S., University of Maine
Political experience: None
Publicly financed candidate? No

1. Why are you running for office?
I'm troubled by the culture of disrespect from our states’ political leadership and by the partisan fighting that obstructs problem solving. As the owner of an environmental consulting firm, I've helped opposing parties come to agreement despite different starting points, and I believe I can do the same in the Maine Senate.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The economy. The people I've met while campaigning really like the idea of having a fiscally prudent small business owner representing them in Augusta. If we manage our money properly, we can grow in a balanced, sustainable way.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
The biggest issue is jobs. My district is lucky to be home to some of Maine's fastest growing businesses. Our school systems are among the best in Maine. I would convene a district-wide collaborative group of representatives from the school districts and fast growing businesses to ensure that students are preparing for the jobs available in high-growth segments of the economy.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
No. There is too much partisan fighting, and while we would all like our taxes to be lower, cutting income taxes on the wealthy has the effect of shifting income and property tax burdens onto the backs of people who are struggling for the very reason that they are NOT wealthy.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to encourage economic improvement by putting policies in place that create jobs. I have created jobs as a small business owner, and I believe this gives me real world experience that’s needed in the Maine Senate

Name: Tim Driscoll
Date of birth: November 20, 1956
Family: Spouse: Tina; Children: Jacquie, Mallory, Lindsay
Residence: Westbrook
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Registered Nurse-Mercy Hospital-Emergency Room
Education: RN- Westbrook College
Political experience: Westbrook City Council, Westbrook School Committee, four terms, Maine House of Representatives
Publicly financed candidate? Yes

1. Why are you running for office?
Public service is in many ways an extension of my lifelong work as a registered nurse. Being a liaison and facilitator, hard work, trust, mutual respect and caring are all attributes, which I espouse as a public servant.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Maintaining our infrastructure. We need to responsibly borrow (bonding) to keep up with the maintenance and replacement needs of our secondary roads, highways and bridges.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
To reduce local property taxes by honoring our State commitment to fund local education at 55%.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
In my current committee, Labor Commerce Research and Economic Development, efforts to improve the economy have amounted to weakening child labor laws, repealing collective bargaining rights for child care workers and egg factory farm workers. Dismantling wage protections for injured workers relying on Worker’s Compensation and repealing an unemployment insurance law which allowed the newly unemployed to protect their banked vacation time to help them through tough times.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
The creation of a magnet school in southern Maine such as we have in northern and central Maine with a possible focus on the performing and creative arts.

Name: Bryan Kaenrath
Date of birth: May 26, 1983
Family: Not submitted
Residence: South Portland
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Not submitted
Education: BA, University of Maine. Current MBA student, Husson University
Political experience: Three terms, Maine House of Representatives 2006-Present
Publicly financed candidate? Yes

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running for office to use my legislative experience to strongly advocate for our community and change the direction of our current state government.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The recent budget shortfalls that have a drastic impact on vital programs and services are a major issue we face. Maine also needs to use new and innovative strategies for improving our overall economic conditions and bolstering job creation.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
A major issue is ensuring that we get our fair share of state aid to our public schools and its effect on our property taxes. I will always stand for our local public schools and their funding.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
We need to do more to promote access to higher education and worker retraining to make Maine competitive in a 21st century economy. Our community colleges are vital in this effort and have already put many on the path to success.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I strongly believe that Gov. LePage and the Republican controlled legislature are taking our state in the wrong direction. I will stand up for working families, our environment, public education, women's rights and new solutions to transform Maine's economy. Perhaps the most important part of being a legislator is constituent service and outreach, we all have to work together and build new coalitions to make change happen.

Name: Rebecca Millett
Date of birth: October 5, 1962
Family: Married, twin son and daughter
Residence: Cape Elizabeth
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Independent consultant
Education: BA and BS, American University; MBA , University of Chicago
Political experience: Cape Elizabeth School Board, 2004- 2011. Chair in 2010. Finance Chair in 2006, 2007, 2008. Cape Elizabeth Democratic Executive Committee member since 2005,
Publicly financed candidate? Yes

1. Why are you running for office?
I am concerned with the tenor and the policies of the LePage administration. We need economic development for secure jobs, strong schools that educate and prepare all Maine children, protection of our natural resources, and programs to help our most vulnerable citizens.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Creating and maintaining good paying jobs. There is tremendous potential for economic growth, particularly when focusing on our strengths. We need elected officials with real life experience in helping economies grow. My background includes economic development, business management, and planning.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
Our schools regularly face decreased state funding. As school board chair, I initiated an alliance among school districts to address this issue at the legislative level. As State Senator, I would work to develop more balanced and stable education funding.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
No, Governor LePage’s anti-worker anti-poor crusade is a distraction from the larger issue of economic growth. Maine needs to leverage its assets, train qualified workers for growth industries, and bring knowledge-based entrepreneurs to Maine.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would like to be part of a non-partisan, coordinated, cooperative and goal-oriented effort to bring jobs to Maine, involving employer stakeholders, small business persons, and employees.

Name: Sara Gideon
Date of birth: December 4, 1971
Family: Husband: Benjamin; Sons: Julian (9), Alek (7); Daughter: Josie (4)
Residence: Freeport
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Former advertising executive, USA TODAY and CQ (formerly Congressional Quarterly Magazine)
Education: BA, The George Washington University, USM Muskie School of Public Service (2010)
Political experience: Town Council, Freeport Maine 2009-Present
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign website: http://www.saragideonforme.com/

1. Why are you running for office?
I believe that we can build a brighter future for Maine if we pursue policies that will keep Maine affordable while strengthening our economy, so that our next generation will have opportunities to live, work and raise families here. I will be a leader in putting partisan politics aside to deal civilly and respectfully with one another so that we can respond to the real needs of people in our State.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs. We have to encourage job opportunities that are compatible with our natural resources. We can do this by building upon our strengths—local communities, the Maine brand, and the ingenuity and work ethic of our people and businesses. We need a comprehensive and visionary plan that envisions us, not as “two Maines”, but as a single, strong, solid Maine, so that we can create a pathway to economic opportunity for all Maine people.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
Besides jobs and the economy, the rising costs of health care, the quality of public education and the environment. We need to do everything within our power to make health insurance more affordable. Regarding school consolidation, I believe we need to identify where consolidation has worked, where it has not, and allow the individual communities, parents, teachers and students to use what we have learned to develop an improved plan for the future.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
No. I think we need to be working much harder to improve the State's economy.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I’d like to restore a tone of civility to government that will help us deal thoughtfully with our challenges. Government decisions should be based upon facts and evidence, not politics. If we work together, we can create new jobs, keep Maine affordable, keep our promises to elders and workers, and ensure equality for all Maine people.

1. Why are you running for office?
I believe the Governor is taking the state in the wrong direction on almost every important issue. I am running to be part of a new Democratic majority in the Legislature that will change that direction and put Maine back on the right track.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Our stagnant economy is the biggest issue facing the state. We need an economy that creates jobs with livable wages and decent benefits.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
People are losing trust in state and local government. They feel left out of decisions that affect their lives and their property and feel that government is becoming less transparent and less accountable. I will work to restore that trust by strengthening Maine’s open government laws and by providing more effective training for all elected officials on their responsibilities under those laws.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
No. Maine has been ranked as the worst state for business for the last two years, our unemployment rate is above the New England average, and last month we had the largest percentage drop in employment of any state in the nation. We need to stop focusing on eliminating regulations and dismantling state government and work on issues that will actually grow the economy, such as lowering energy prices, investing in higher education and expanding high speed internet access.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Over the last two years, the Legislature has behaved more like an employee of the Governor than as a coequal branch of Government. I want to use my experience in the legislative process to restore the Legislature to an independent leadership role in the policy-making process; one that listens to the people rather than simply following the Executive.

1. Why are you running for office?
Elected officials should understand and have experience working with Maine’s biggest issues today, including healthcare and education reform. I have 20 years of experience working to expand access to services, support MaineCare reform efforts and improve schools. The policies coming out of Augusta need to more clearly reflect our Maine values. I bring real-world experience to deliver results.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Simply put - the poor economy. In Maine, this is compounded by rising heal care costs and insufficient investment in transportation and education. As a legislator I can pursue policies that encourage the private sector to create jobs. I would oppose another TABOR initiative, support bonding for roads and other long-term transportation investments, and ensure full funding of education as required under law.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
Health care. Businesses want affordable coverage for employees, families and seniors want reliable coverage and MaineCare, while needing reform, must be available. I would support legislation to enable small businesses to purchase insurance collectively, and for the care management initiative to be further implemented to reduce costs and improve the health outcomes of the 5 percent of MaineCare recipients who account for 50 percent of the total program cost.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
The economy is improving, but I feel the policies of this administration and legislative leadership have depressed Maine's economic climate. Name calling, threatening to derail infrastructure funding for our roads and bridges to make political points, calling Maine citizens “welfare cheats” and our state workforce "corrupt", and giving tax cuts to the wealthy while asking the rest of us to cut basic services, doesn’t encourage job creation, investment or create economic stability.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would work tirelessly to create better health outcomes and coverage for all Maine residents and in doing so, reduce healthcare costs. Ensuring coverage, focusing on quality outcomes, pursuing targeted reform designed to address how we provide healthcare services to those who produce the highest costs in the system, and supporting preventative care are attainable goals if we have the political will and elect legislators with relevant experience.

Name: Justin Costa
Date of birth: July 18, 1983
Family: Single
Residence: Portland
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Law Student
Education: Wesleyan University, Univ. of Maine School of Law
Political experience: Portland School Board Member, elected 2008 and 2011, currently Finance Chair
Publicly financed candidate? Yes

1. Why are you running for office?
Portland must be stronger in Augusta to continue moving forward. We need a Representative who’s committed to our community, proven in politics, and has a record of real results. Respectfully, I’m the only candidate who can say all those things.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Clearly the economy is the state’s biggest issue. We need to promote policies that will strengthen the middle class, help us transition to an economy that is increasingly based upon services, and make Maine more competitive.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
The biggest issue is the Governor, who’s constantly targeted us for major cuts in our schools and city. Reversing those cuts is crucial for Portland, which is why we need someone who’s shown they can navigate the political system and get things done.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
No. The Governor has consistently relied on stereotypes over evidence, blamed workers for the poor economy, and acted as if the only thing holding back our economy is “red tape.” Our real economic problems are far more complex.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Maine has an opportunity to turn around our economy through structural reforms. We can rebuild our economy by becoming real leaders in energy independence and education, and I want us to make those things happen.

Name: Erik Jorgensen
Date of birth: October 30, 1964
Family: Wife, Tamara Risser; Son, 10
Residence: Portland
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Executive Director, Maine Humanities Council
Education: AB, Bowdoin College; MPA, Harvard University, Kennedy School of Govt. (Public Service Fellowship)
Political experience: None. Worked on many campaigns.
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign website: www.erikjorgensen.org

1. Why are you running for office?
I’m concerned about Maine’s current direction, and have experience to be effective quickly. I bring two decades leading educational/cultural organizations in Maine, and lived in Portland twelve years. I’ve worked statewide and know Augusta and Maine. That can help Portland.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
As always, economy and jobs. Maine’s poverty level, lower educational achievement, and our aging, dispersed, and relatively unhealthy population challenge our economy. Greater Portland’ numbers are better, but these demographics bear on the entire state (and its budget) profoundly.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
City needs differ from rural needs. Voters recognize cuts in Augusta as disproportionately harming Portland. Because cuts don't reduce underlying needs, property taxes rise and livability declines in the struggle to make up the difference.
I’ll promote policies favoring locally-owned businesses.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
Despite potential upsides of careful regulatory reform and streamlining, partisan opposition to the Affordable Care Act, tax cuts for wealthy, eliminating State Planning Office, reluctance to address infrastructure needs through reasonable bonding, and continued erosion in education are red flags.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I have goals around education, local economy, energy, and sustainability, all of which bear on economic and community well-being. But first priority is to deepen our mayor and delegation’s work building policy alliances between Portland and other service center communities.

Name: Malory Shaughnessy
Date of birth: March 4, 1959
Family: Husband: Michael Shaughnessy; Sons: Theo,27, Avery, 24, Ciaran, 22, Tulleigh, 18
Residence: Portland
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Director of Development, Common Dreams
Education: BA in Political Science and Economics at University of Missouri – Kansas City. MA in Public Policy at USM Muskie School.
Political experience: Cumberland County Commissioner (2006 – 2010)
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign website: maloryshaughnessyforhouse115.org

1. Why are you running for office?
I have the experience and passion to be an effective representative for Portland. Building on my legislative skills and experience I would like to create more strategic and efficient collaborations between governmental levels to protect and strengthen our education and healthcare systems, environment, creative economy, and the Maine tradition of a broad based and fair democratic process.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
A lack of long term vision and creativity in anticipating and facing issues. This has recently been exacerbated by an extremism that demonizes and divides and, in the end, undermines Maine values of fairness, innovation, environmental stewardship and political moderation.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
Portland’s tax burden. This is heavily impacted by its role as a regional service center. Collaborations and alliances need to be developed with our sister service-sector cities as well as our neighboring communities to avoid unnecessary duplications and offer better services more fairly.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
No. We need to implement forward thinking educational, social, and environmental policies and recognize that trickle-down economics is a human, political and economic failure. We cannot simply cut our way out of a recession but need to strategically invest for our future.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
While I have several specific legislative ideas, one over-arching issue is challenging the corrupting influence of money in our democratic process. Maine has led in this and I believe can be a national leader in calling for a constitutional amendment toward this end.

Name: Dauna Binder
Date of birth: May 28, 1940
Family: Widow, three children
Residence: Portland
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Retired Educator
Education: Not submitted
Political experience: None. Coordinated TABOR campaign.
Publicly financed candidate? No

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running for public office because I believe the voice of reasonable, informed and caring people need to take action on behalf of others. My knowledge and experiences have convinced me now is the time to stand up for our Democratic ideals.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The single biggest issue facing the state is how we use our limited financial resources for the benefit of all. We need to be smart, and fair, utilizing the skills and knowledge of those who become elected to serve, as well as the advise of our constituents.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
One of the biggest issues facing my district, and Portland, is the state threatening to cut it's financial share in providing for the needy, many coming from area towns. Our property taxes may need to pick up the difference, or we could have fewer city services if there is a cut.
An initiative in my district I want to do, is to share all the marvelous gardens that I am seeing on my door-knocking travels... creative landscapes in small spaces, vegetable gardens mixed in with flowering beds, a few chickens running around in their pens (or not!), hives of bees busy creating their sweet nectar...

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
The state's economy is not going in the right direction because the most vulnerable are taking a direct hit, while those who have the greatest resources are being excused from contributing to the solution. There is one point of view in Augusta drowning out all others.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
If elected, I want to influence schooling for all Mainers that is focused on progressive goals, from automotive skills or early childhood at our community colleges, to mechanical engineering or kinesiology at the university level. I want educators to be recognized as professionals, for their intellectual, as well as nurturing skills.

1. Why are you running for office?
I have been engaged in public policy all of my professional life, including organizing around important issues and working on legislation. I recognize the importance of good representation. I have the ability to find common ground with all sides of the political spectrum and all areas of the state. I believe my representation will benefit the diverse needs of Portland residents.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The unsustainable cost of Transportation. State transportation policy is no longer affordable and in fact is bankrupting local budgets. I advocate for new ways of investing in all modes of transit; motorized, non-motorized and particularly in new technologies and innovative transit systems, primarily passenger rail.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
We are out of money. State revenue sharing is shrinking. Federal stimulus is over. Our community needs to be heard. District 117 is the heart of Maine's economic engine. I have an initiative for a transportation and land-use policy that will provide long-term benefits for our youth, our aged and our working middle class.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
No. Current efforts, based on ideological opinions that profess eliminating regulations will not lead to a healthier economy. To improve the State's economy we need a skilled middle-class workforce earning good salaries. We need communities where skilled workers are comfortable enough with Maine to stay here and raise families.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want a robust regional passenger rail system connecting Portland with the world. I want to coordinate housing, transportation, and infrastructure investments to make neighborhoods more prosperous, allow people to live closer to jobs, save households time and money, and reduce pollution.

Name: Richard R. (Dick) Farnsworth
Date of birth: July 29, 1940
Family: Wife, Ellen J. and three adult children, Richard E., Ian S. and Ellen J. Fechenda
Residence: Portland
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Retired
Education: Bachelors, Ohio State University; Masters, Boston University
Political experience: State Representative to the 118th Session of the Maine Legislature
Publicly financed candidate? Yes

1. Why are you running for office?
After a career in human services I believe that I have some expertise that can make a positive impact on the State’s use of Medicaid/MaineCare. I also believe that my previous experience in the legislature allows me to e able to “hit the ground running” thus reducing the time needed for orientation required for the less experienced.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Effective economic development in a post industrial economy. Our state, like so many, is in transition and the success of that transition will depend on our ability to develop a workforce that is highly educated/trained and skilled so that Maine becomes the place where the new information industry wants to be and locates.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
Traffic congestion with Congress St., Brighton Ave., I-95 and 295 bordering the district. The initiative will be to work with Maine DOT and the City to develop better traffic management plans.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
NO! Maine is still basing development on the old industrial model. We must start changing our educational system to develop the workforce for the information and green industries of the future.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would like to establish a special fund in the Dept. of Education to be made available, on a competitive basis, to the public schools that have new, creative and flexible ideas that will educate students based on their interests and their learning styles. The goal is to create charter-like schools in the already established public school systems.

Name: Dillon Bates
Date of birth: May 15, 1988
Family: Single
Residence: Portland
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Portland Public Library; track coach; substitute teacher
Education: University of Maine, BA Political Science, Theater
Political experience: None. Delegate to the 2008 and 2012 Democratic State Conventions
Publicly financed candidate? Yes.

1. Why are you running for office?
As cliché as it may sound, I am running because I have always had an innate desire to help people, and I believe that politics, flawed as the system can be, is still the best way to affect positive change on a broad spectrum. As a native Mainer, I believe that I can bring a fresh, informed perspective to the state house that will benefit not only the citizens of Portland, but all of Maine.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Though there are many issues of the utmost importance to the people of Maine, perhaps the largest political struggle is the state of politics itself. Augusta has become increasingly polarized, significantly inhibiting the progress of resolutions to any of the many serious issues confronting Mainers today. If elected, I intend to do everything in my power to end this tribal partisan gridlock.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
Health care. Housing the 2 of the state's largest hospitals, district 118 is irrevocably tied to the fate of health care in this state. In addition to many of the residents of district 118 working in health care or related fields, many are working-class people who are struggling to afford, or going without health insurance. Many others are fortunate enough to have insurance coverage but are constantly affected by the stark reminder, in the form of the hospitals, that many others are not so fortunate.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
The efforts alluded to in this question aren't really "going" anywhere, as party polarization and partisan gridlock have stymied virtually all initiatives. That said, the Governor's current proposals for economic initiatives are misguided and demonstrate a frightening lack of forethought.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I'd like to improve the quality of life for all Mainers. This can be done by ensuring a quality education, a fair and effective health care system, and by stemming the flow of young, educated Mainers out of the state by providing more attractive opportunities for them here.

Name: Matthew Moonen
Date of birth: May 9, 1984
Family: Partner, Jeremy Kennedy
Residence: Portland
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Northwestern University Undergraduate Admissions Office; formerly Maine Citizens for Clean Elections (2011), Equality Maine (2007-2010)
Education: BA, Northwestern University
Political experience: None. Currently vice chairman of the Portland Democratic City Committee. Previous experience as political director for EqualityMaine (2009-2010)
Publicly financed candidate? Yes

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running because I believe that providing opportunity for families and businesses to thrive is what is needed to move the state forward. I have been very disappointed with the recent situation in Augusta. Rather than working together to get things done, the current administration has been playing politics with divisive attacks on health care, workers’ rights, and education. I believe we can do better.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs. While jobs are being added nationwide, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Maine had the largest monthly percentage drop in employment, 0.5 percent, in the month of March. Legislators should be focused on turning this around.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
District 118 is the progressive leader for the state. We need a representative who will be strong in standing up for our shared values, from preserving clean elections to winning full equality for all Mainers to passing a budget that isn't balanced on the backs of our state's most vulnerable citizens. I have the best combination of energy and experience to do just that.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
No, as our job numbers illustrate. The LePage administration has been more interested in destroying government than in growing our economy. Government has a role to play in turning our economy around, and we should be sure that it is working well for that reason.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Restoring the Maine Clean Election Act to what the voters intended when they passed it. We deserve to know that our elected officials are there to represent all of us, and not those with the deepest pockets. I'm proud to be a Clean Elections candidate and look forward to seeing the system fully restored.

1. Why are you running for office?
I wasn’t satisfied that the field of candidates offered the best possible representation for Old Orchard Beach. I have been serving the common good as a private citizen most of my life. I reluctantly accepted the challenge to run with the intent to add my voice and my energy in the service of our community.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Creating and investing in economic opportunities to improve the quality of life for the broadest segment of the population, by identifying and nurturing public-private partnerships in education, manufacturing, health care, agriculture and advanced technologies. We need to provide fertile breeding ground for entrepreneurial development statewide.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
We lack year-round industry to provide jobs, and the challenges of a fluctuating seasonal population that requires us to expand and contract our public and private services. We must expand our tourism season and identify and attract new industries, such as a full service heath-care clinic and creating a local campus satellite facility.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
There is a clear lack of strategic planning towards building local sustainability in the dynamic emerging alternative energy industry as well as in the agricultural industries. We are failing to create the types of public-private partnerships with the broad base required for long-term success.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I intend to awaken and inspire a can do attitude , rebuild confidence through respectful discourse and see that a fair balance is struck between business, government and citizens. We must invest in our future, just as those before us sacrificed and invested in the infrastructure and institutions that carry us today.

Name: Roxanne V. Frenette
Date of birth: April 18, 1961
Family: Husband, Michael; daughter, Annabelle, 20; son, John, 25; grandson, Mikey, 10 months
Residence: Old Orchard Beach
Political party: Democrat
Employment: , Maine Turnpike Authority
Education: Casco Bay College
Political experience: OOB Town Council, three terms
Publicly financed candidate? Yes

1. Why are you running for office?
I am sick of all "us versus them politics." Elected officials should be working for the betterment of their communities rather than party allegiance. I judge people by their character and not their party. I vote based on how an issue will affect constituents and the community as a whole.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The lack of jobs which directly relates to access to healthcare. Unemployment leads to fewer taxpayers and a larger MaineCare population. More jobs mean more taxpayers sharing a lesser tax burden.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
Property taxes are the biggest issue facing my district. People assume that we are a resort community raking in the tax dollars from motels which are only open 3 to 4 months a year. The majority of our taxes are from residents who work out of town and a large retirement community. The yearly cutting of state revenue sharing results in a larger percentage of local funding coming from property taxes.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
NO – Efforts to have the more affluent pay lower taxes is not and will not help to create more jobs. Money that business owners save from lower taxes is used toward to automation and hi-tech improvements resulting in job losses rather than job creation.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Make sure that all citizens of Old Orchard Beach and Ocean Park are well represented.

Name: Cris Edward Johnson
Date of birth : March 1, 1948
Family : Daughters: Sasha, 29 and Genna, 24
Residence: Old Orchard Beach
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Retired Educator, Attorney, Writer
Education: Colgate University (BA), Pace University Law School (JD)
Political experience: None. Legislative advocacy for organizations including AFCSME, Planned Parenthood
Publicly financed candidate? No
Campaign website: crisedwardjohnson.com

1. Why are you running for office?
I believe that people should come before things, that caring for the well being of citizens is what a government should do and that finding ways to responsibly pay for things that improve our lives is completely possible.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The people of Maine have been told that the only way to balance a budget is to cut spending, decrease revenues by cutting tax rates, provide tax giveaways to those who don’t need them and refuse to use bonds as a positive funding resource. This is nonsense and is the single reason that the quality of life Mainers deserve is in jeopardy.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
Voters in my district have many concerns. I think the most pressing, right now, is maintaining the quality of our local services and our local schools by assuring the funding necessary to support it. Property taxes are an increasing burden and I want to explore alternative revenue sources that would directly benefit my district by easing that burden.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
Proposals to improve Maine’s economy have been pointed in the wrong direction. Job creation is not accomplished by giving away revenues through tax cuts and loopholes that benefit folks who don’t need them nor by blocking bonding proposals for desperately need infrastructure improvements that would create immediate jobs, spur private businesses and save millions of taxpayer dollars in the long run.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To earn the respect of my constituents in OOB. I would like voters to say, “I don’t always agree with him, but he listens to what I have to say. He always knows what he was talking about and his heart is in the right place.”

Name: Gregory Kidd
Date of birth: August 2, 1957
Family: Wife, Ann; Daughter, Erica
Residence: Old Orchard Beach
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Environmental Trainer
Education: Associates of Applied Science- Marine Biology/ Oceanography & Certificate -Wastewater Treatment
Political experience: None
Publicly financed candidate? No

1. Why are you running for office?
As State Representative for Old Orchard Beach House District 132, I will stand for my fellow citizens of Old Orchard Beach, and strive to protect the gains our state has made in:
The environment: clean air, recreational water and safe drinking water
Healthcare coverage
Public education
Equity for all citizens
Public access to Maine’s forests and waters

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest single issue facing our state is the ability to provide affordable healthcare for all Maine citizens. All we’ve done up to this point is tinker around the edges with a healthcare system that is both flat broke and broken. Throwing our fellow citizens, our neighbors, off the healthcare system is not leadership, nor is it a solution. It is time for us to face the fact that the system we have does not work.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
The biggest issue for voters in House District 132 is protecting Saco Bay from sources of degradation. We must continue to improve the water quality of the bay. Without clean water in Saco Bay, we wouldn’t have tourists coming to Old Orchard Beach, and without the tourists, we wouldn’t be able to support our quality of life in the town. I am looking forward to the day when the entire seven mile beach is open to clamming because that will be the day we have great water quality in Saco Bay.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
No. I feel the state is headed in the wrong direction in terms of the economy. The current divide-and-conquer mentality, the bullying, and the denigrating of our state and state employees is no way to encourage business expansion. Why would a business that is thinking of locating to Maine even give us consideration when the Governor publicly states, “The problem is, the middle management of the state is about as corrupt as you can be.” What business would want to locate to a state with “corrupt state workers?” Who wants to get in the sandbox with a bully?
We need to accent the positive attributes of Maine, including our:
Maine work ethic
Government
Public education
Infrastructure
Environment
Maine is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. We should be promoting this.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
If elected, I will protect the gains our state has made in clean water and air; women’s health issues and public education. One way I will accomplish this is by holding the line on out-of-state funded think tanks that influence Maine political decisions.

Name: Justin Chenette
Date of birth: April 23, 1991
Family: Single
Residence: Saco
Political party: Democrat
Employment: WPFO-Fox 23 (on temporary leave)
Education: A.S. in TV News from Lyndon State College, working towards B.S.
Political experience: None. Communications Director for Rep. Linda Valentino
Publicly financed candidate? No

1. Why are you running for office?
I'm running for office to secure the American Dream that for so many is becoming impossible to obtain. We can change the direction of this state for the better by providing a common sense approach to governance by harnessing the full potential and hard working spirit of Maine people to solve Maine problems.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Economic growth is the biggest issue stemming from an education system that doesn’t adequately prepare students for a dynamic work world, energy prices a third higher than the national average, rising healthcare costs, a poor business climate, and high taxes on working families.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
I will work towards ensuring small businesses in Saco like on North Street, Portland Road, and Main Street have the tools they need to be successful. I will use my media background to help promote Saco and our downtown to bring needed growth and economic stability to our city.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
High taxes, cutting of essential services, and a lack of listening to our small business community is crippling our economy. The state has a ‘take it or leave it’ approach when it comes to bringing new business to the state. We have to be enticing job creation rather than creating a vacuum of desolation.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to foster a non-partisan environment where ideas from citizens, business leaders, experts, and bureaucrats can come to the table to develop solutions such as ensuring that no one has to make the difficult choice between heat, food, and prescription drugs.

Name: Sonya Lundh-Gay
Date of birth: February 15, 1969
Family: Husband: Roger Gay; Sons: Jaye, Jacobb, Jeremiah and Jonathan; Daughter: Tara
Residence: Saco
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Run Sunrise Acres (family farm in Saco), seasonal worker, L.L. Bean
Education: "Some college for paralegal degree "
Political experience: None. Campaign manager for husband's legislative race in 2010
Publicly financed candidate? Yes

1. Why are you running for office?
I can not sit ideally by, watching hard working Mainers struggle to live good quality lives and support their families on substandard wages. Between the working families and the elderly that has earned their social security, people can not afford to heat their homes, feed and cloth their families and basically meet their daily needs.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Taxes. Every home I have visited wants to know where their tax money is being spent and why Mainers must pay so much.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
Voters worry that retirement wont be there when they get to that point in their lives. I would like to serve on a tax committee and basically do some adjustments to the states budget, moving funding to much needed areas.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
Sadly no. We need better tourism promotion, incentives for out of state businesses and the movie industry to come here.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Give the people back hope in a fallen system.

1. Why are you running for office?
Ensuring that the elderly and needy people are cared for means a lot to me.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
Single health payer, affordable healthcare

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
No

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Pass single health payer to make sure everyone in this state has health insurance. I have been trying for the past six years to pass this bill.

1. Why are you running for office?
Because this administration is anti-worker and anti-democratic.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The budget, and the priorities this administration is promoting.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
The biggest issue facing Biddeford is the economy, we cannot support charter schools and expect the taxpayer to pay for both. As former Mayor of this city I know to well what fighting for education dollars mean, and it is hard to believe we will now be faced with paying for charter schools as well. The State's fiasco in the Health and Human Resources Department is corrupt. The Commissioner Mary Mayhew should be fired. They talk about a computer glitch, someone had to program that computer. Now we hear about a fourteen million dollar revenue from the holidays that was deposited but never recorded, the Governor accuses State workers of being corrupt, I ask who is really corrupt here?

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
No, these computer glitches, and not recording fourteen million dollar in sales taxes could help us immensely, it is time to send this administration home.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To bring a Democratic Majority back to the Blaine House and to the Maine Senate and House of Representatives.

Name: Bobby Mills
Date of birth: August 14, 1965
Family: Married with 2 boys
Residence: Biddeford
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Sales and Marketing
Education: BS, Texas Wesleyan University; MA in Leadership & Management, Liberty University
Political experience: Biddeford city councilor, three terms; Biddeford Charter Commission
Publicly financed candidate? No

1. Why are you running for office?
Because the incumbent does not listen to the majority of the people from House District 136.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Answer not submitted

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
The voters in my district want to see a County Wide vote on a racino measure that would have benefited our district and community immensely.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
Reasonable sustainable cuts and program suspensions have to be made. Especially when there are abuses.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
More than 1% go back to the local community for traffic citations and violations. Presently all revenues garnered from traffic violations go directly to the state's general fund. 1% or more should go back specifically to that local jurisdiction for reimbursement for staffing and vehicle usage.

Name: Megan Rochelo
Date of birth : December 14, 1976
Family : Not submitted
Residence: Biddeford
Political party: Democrat
Employment: University of New England
Education: Master of Public Health - Boston University School of Public Health
Political experience: State Representative District 136 - 125th Legislature
Publicly financed candidate? Yes

1. Why are you running for office?
I look forward to continuing the work I've been doing in Augusta, moving our community forward in a positive direction through economic development, supporting small businesses and ensuring our communities and environments are healthy and prosperous.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest issue we are facing is finding a way to balance the state budget in a slow economy and still provide support through programs and services that continue to move Maine and the people living here forward.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
Biddeford is poised to be an economic driver for Southern Maine. We have the right combination of infrastructure, natural resources and hard working people that make our city a perfect location for new business. I will work to advocate and promote Biddeford and its resources to drive economic development and community prosperity.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
There are many things that happened during the past legislative session that are moving our economy in the right direction. However, I believe more can be done with bipartisan legislation that focuses on what makes Maine unique and appealing to new business.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
If elected I want to continue to develop relationships throughout the legislature that allow me to work with the rest of the members of the Biddeford delegation to advocate with a strong and unified voice on all issues that impact our community.

1. Why are you running for office?
To continue my work on domestic violence issues, as well as addressing issues of property taxation.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The economy. Improvements are not reaching Mainers, and the state and its cities must nurture small business and create cultural, artistic environments to attract development and business. Buying and thinking local provide huge advantages by creating unique niches for business and growth.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
Coastal property taxes continue to drive long-time residents away from their homes, while the loss of state revenue undermines school budgets and municipal services. The current pattern of state allocation is crippling long term infrastructure needs for cities and towns, as well as educational needs. The property tax was not designed to do all that it is currently doing.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
To a degree. We still need more streamlining and clarity of regulations and departmental oversight; bonding that will allow massive infrastructure improvements; more flexibility and power in nurturing local economies. The state bureaucracy is too difficult to navigate, with too many overlapping responsibilities and too many regulations that at times defy logic.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Reverse the casual cost shifts from state government to local government, thus allowing communities to become fiscally stable and move forward in terms of education and business.

1. Why are you running for office?
I have truly enjoyed my work in Augusta. The present representative was elected Mayor of Biddeford, the 6th largest city in Maine, last November. By virtue of being mayor, he is also chair of the school board. I believe that one person should not hold all 3 positions. As the state and district face many serious issues, I can be a bridge of continuity and trusted experience for our communities.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
In my opinion, there are many serious issues facing our state. We must create good paying jobs and provide the skilled workers needed to fill those jobs. There are many skilled positions available now, but Maine lacks the particular skilled workers needed. We must build our economy and provide the needed vocational/skills education. We must also restructure(not tinker with) a fair, progressive system of taxation. Funding of our schools, paving of local roads etc. can not be funded by property taxes alone.

3. What's the biggest issue for voters in your district and do you have a district-specific initiative you will promote?
The district has 2 distinct parts: that of a large service center city/council and that of a small fishing/tourist town/board of selectmen political system. In spite of the differences, job creation, economical stability and property taxes are of immediate concern. Since the district is boarded on three sides by water and the hospitality industry is important the environment is of prime concern. I will work for and support reasonable fishing laws and environmental laws. in addition to job creation.

4. Are efforts to improve the state's economy going in the right direction?
No, the state is not moving in the correct direction. There is too little collaboration, too much blame game, and simple cost shifting. We need a vision. We must provide a climate that allows for both our young people and our elderly to be able to remain here. Since about 85% of the businesses in Maine are small, we must advocate for the "small guy and gal" and not just those that can afford lobbyists or send employees to "work the halls".

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would like to see York County Community College programs expanded to enable it to serve more people. I also want to continue to expand economic development and support the many truly small businesses.