Meet the candidates for the 2008 Maine State Legislature

YORK AND OGUNQUIT - While this year's presidential election, in the midst of concerns about foreign policy and economic ways, may be the focus of all the national headlines, local voters will have many races to decide at the polls on Nov. 4.

In York and Ogunquit, six individuals are seeking terms in Augusta to represent their communities in the Maine Legislature.

Incumbent Sen. Peter Bowman, D-Kittery, is being challenged in his bid to return to Augusta by Mary Black Andrews, R-York, who previously served in both the Maine House and Senate.

In the District 149 race for the Maine House of Representatives, incumbent Rep. Dawn Hill, D-York, is being challenged by Brad Moulton, R-Ogunquit, who held that seat prior to Hill's election in 2006. District 149 includes Ogunquit and parts of Kittery, York and Wells.

For District 150, which includes a significant portion of the town of York, incumbent Rep. Windol Weaver, R-York, is being challenged by Democrat Ron McAllister, also of York.

Here, in their own words, the candidates share their thoughts about the term and ahead and their goals if elected.

MAINE SENATE DISTRICT 1

 

Republican candidate and former legislator Mary Black Andrews of Old Post Road in York is retired and has a long career in state and local public service. She and her husband, Allan, have five grown children and eight grandchildren.

What are the primary reasons you hope to serve in the Maine Legislature?

The reasons I wish to serve are several. One, I was asked by many to run again. I enjoyed serving in the past. It is my chance to give back to the community and I believe that I worked and spoke for the residents in the district well.

What do you see as the most important issues facing your local communities and the state in the next legislative term?

The most important issues facing my district in the next two years are energy, health insurance for Maine people, taxes, better education for all Maine students and better fiscal responsibility by state government.

What is your stance on the Maine Turnpike Authority toll plaza relocation plan?

I am very much against the relocation of the York Toll Plaza.

What do you hope to achieve for the constituents you represent if you are elected to serve in Augusta in the term ahead?

I feel that the role of the legislature in education in Maine needs to get back to focusing on making sure that all Maine children receive the best education that we can give them and do not impose mandates on our schools [so they] can educate, not spending all their time complying with mandates.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

If elected I will  work to represent my constituents: and be available to them. After all, they elected me, not the party or the state.

 

Incumbent Democrat Peter Bowman of Old Ferry Lane in Kittery is retired after 30 years serving in the U.S. Navy and 11 years working for a local private sector manufacturing company. He and his wife Suzanne have three grown children and two grandchildren.

What are the primary reasons you hope to serve in the Maine Legislature?

I am running for reelection as state senator from District 1 (York, Kittery, Eliot, South Berwick and Ogunquit) for several reasons.

First, I have found that helping my individual constituents with their issues has been an extremely fulfilling experience! I cannot solve everyone's problems; some are clearly intractable. But I have been able to achieve beneficial results for most of them, and I work hard on all of them. 

Second, I believe that the most recent (123rd) Legislature made progress in advancing an array of critical issues; e.g., fiscal, educational, economic, environmental, that it faced, especially when viewed in the context of the state and national economic downturn. However, much work remains; e.g., reducing taxes and spending, improving the school district consolidation statute, health care, keeping Mainers warm, and I want to be a part of that critical effort.

Finally, I have found my last two years in Augusta to be among the most rewarding, enriching and educational experiences of my life!  I found that I was able to successfully apply my over 40 years of leadership experience to a number of difficult issues. Because of the contentious and critical nature of some of these issues, I experienced situations and responsibilities in my initial term that others may not have experienced even in several terms in the Legislature.  I would like to continue this most rewarding work!

What do you see as the most important issues facing your local communities and the state in the next legislative term?

The most important issues facing local communities and the state in the next legislative term are quite similar and interrelated. They include - not necessarily in order of importance:

Keeping people, local and statewide, warm for the winter in the face of high energy costs. Some progress has been made in addressing this issue (LIHEAP, Keep ME Warm), but more remains to be done; e.g., increase fuel assistance funding, help for the middle class.

Improving Maine's economy, at both local and state levels, in the difficult time of a national recession and financial crisis; e.g., reducing state spending, reducing the state income tax rate structure, resubmitting my bill to institute a BRAC-like review to reduce state spending, making Maine more business-friendly.

Balancing the state's budget, which has great local impact, in light of projected decreased revenues - and therefore decreased spending - while minimizing the "damage" caused by decreased services; e.g., mental healthcare, general assistance.

Upgrading local and state transportation infrastructure; e.g., bridges, roads, rail, during this time of national recession.

Fostering alternative energy sources/usage and conservation strategies. Although we have seen recent drops in energy prices, they surely will not continue in the long term.

Refining the school district consolidation statute. As originally submitted, the "Governor's bill" was deeply flawed. It is much improved now, but not good enough. 

Improving health care for Mainers. I strongly believe that we need a form of national healthcare, but until that occurs we need to take care of our own - and Dirigo Health is both highly controversial and far from perfect.

What is your stance on the Maine Turnpike Authority toll plaza relocation plan?

Even prior to the inception of York's Think Again organization, I have consistently and strongly opposed the MTA's plan to relocate and dramatically grow the size of the York Toll Plaza, and its consequent harm inflicted on York citizens! Although everyone agrees that the York Toll Plaza needs repair - and the MTA has spent little if anything to do these repairs - the data clearly do not support the MTA's plan for a huge expansion and relocation of the York Toll Plaza, including using non-state-of-the-art technology. I have worked closely with Think Again leadership, including bringing Legislative and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) leaders to York for candid, face-to-face discussions. Finally, I am extremely impressed by the magnificent solidarity of the whole York community in rising to oppose the MTA's highly flawed scheme!

In light of the recent school consolidation plan and its impact on local communities, what is your view on the legislature's role in the future of education in Maine?

The Legislature's role in the future of education in Maine is to both exercise oversight and help the Department of Education (DOE) "get it right," which includes, but is not limited to, school district consolidation. (School district consolidation is but one of a number of education issues confronting Maine and the nation; quality of education, percent of high school graduates, and knowledge level of graduates are but a few of the others.) School district consolidation is not a new issue in Maine. Over the last three decades, Maine's student body population has declined more than 20 percent and administrative costs have increased by more than 50 percent. The average number of students per district is about 670 - versus about 2,600 for Eliot/South Berwick's SAD 35, 2,000 for York, 1,500 for Wells-Ogunquit CSD and 1,000 for Kittery. Statewide, something needed to be done, but the governor's initial proposal was very deeply flawed. The incremental give-and-take/compromise nature of the legislative process has improved the consolidation plan, but it still isn't "right." School costs consume about 40 percent of Maine's General Fund and upwards of 80 percent of many local budgets. High-quality education- so we can compete regionally, nationally and internationally - at an affordable cost is clearly the goal!

What do you hope to achieve for the constituents you represent if you are elected to serve in Augusta in the term ahead?

There are at least three things that I, as a legislator, hope to do for my constituents. I'll briefly talk about them in order of direct application.

First, I hope to solve/resolve as many personal constituent issues as I can during the term ahead in Augusta. During my first term in office, these constituent issues have ranged from obtaining visas for relatives, to getting noise abatement fences built, to qualifying for financial assistance, to obtaining professional credentials and much more. Although I am not able to win every battle, it is this part of being a legislator that gives me the most satisfaction and fulfillment.

Second, I hope to achieve the broader goals of individual and groups of local constituents. I listen for concerns during the campaign, then immediately after the election ask town, school and other officials for issues to put forth into legislation, and keep my eyes and ears open for additional issues during the legislative session.

Finally, during the legislative session, I try and vote for what is best both for my constituents and the state of Maine.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Yes. I have over 40 years of leadership experience in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Although I was shipyard commander at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (1987-90) and vice president of a local manufacturing company, I have always believed that the most important contribution to an organization's success is its creative, hardworking men and women. Without this component and without good leadership, nothing happens; with it, we can achieve marvelous heights! I would like to take this experience and philosophy back to Augusta next year.

MAINE HOUSE DISTRICT 149

 

Incumbent Democrat Dawn Hill of Pine Hill Road in Cape Neddick is the owner and president of It's A Dog's World in York and a member of the board of directors for MMG Insurance Company in Presque Isle. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Juris Doctorate from West Virginia University Law School. She graduated from the Maine Development Foundation's program "Leadership Maine - Omicron Class 2008" and is a member of the board of directors for the York Land Trust.

What are the primary reasons you hope to serve in the Maine Legislature?

Over the last two years, I have carried through on my promise to be an independent voice for the voters of District 149 and not simply a partisan politician. I have reached across party lines to pass bipartisan legislation to bolster Maine's economy, pass real spending reform and tax payer savings with the jail and prison unification legislation and to protect the environment.

As a member of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee I have put the protection of children first and foremost with all bills relevant to children we reviewed.

I enjoy the job of creating win-win policy for my district and the state. With two years experience and many legislative successes, I want to continue being an independent voice and leader for District 149.

What do you see as the most important issues facing your local communities and the state in the next legislative term?

Among the four towns that I serve and throughout the state of Maine, the economy and the cost of fuel are the two most serious issues, especially in light of predicted additional state revenue shortfalls.

My constituents are also very concerned about a fair solution to affordable healthcare and the status of the Maine Turnpike Authority's plan to relocate the York Toll Plaza.

What is your stance on the Maine Turnpike Authority toll plaza relocation plan?

I have been a vocal opponent of the MTA's plan to relocate the York Toll Booth.

To that effect, at the close of legislative session in April 2008, I filed several proposed bills for the 124^th Legislature to take up in 2009. The proposed legislation seeks greater accountability and transparency of the MTA's financial operations as well as providing oversight of their unbridled use of eminent domain.

From a statewide perspective, I am very concerned about the MTA's lack of planning review for the construction of new tolls and buildings. They are not subject to review by any municipal or state entity that would ensure adherence to standards consistent with Maine's Quality of Place goals and Maine's brand so essential to Maine's largest industry - tourism.

Finally, Maine taxpayers are bearing the brunt of a 26-percent increase in toll revenue in 2005 to the tune of 40-percent of annual MTA revenues of approximately $81 million. Despite that, none of that revenue is being shared with the Maine Department of Transportation as outlined in existing legislation. And yet, Mainers can expect an additional increase in tolls in the near future.

Please weigh in at http://www.dawnhill.org/, which is polling the status of the MTA's proposal to alter the York Toll Booth location.

In light of the recent school consolidation plan and its impact on local communities, what is your view on the legislature's role in the future of education in Maine?

As cited on my website at http://www.dawnhill.org/, I voted to repeal the school administrative consolidation legislation when it became clear that my district, which is comprised of "minimum receiver" schools, would see no benefit from the consolidation plan. I assisted the York School Department in the final days of the 123^rd Legislature to assure that their "alternative administrative school plan" would not be negatively affected by amendments to the proposed legislation.

When the vote to repeal consolidation failed, I was one of only five legislators in the majority party to then vote against the supplemental budget because it too would have undermined my district generally and the cost of school administrative units specifically.

I continue to work for Kittery and Ogunquit/Wells CSDs to also see their "alternative plans" get passage.

What do you hope to achieve for the constituents you represent if you are elected to serve in Augusta in the term ahead?

Legislators in the House and Senate must pass legislation to reduce personal income tax in Maine.

We must improve the economy as a whole and particularly we need to focus on creative and technology based job creation by expanding Pine Tree Business Zones throughout the state and by luring new businesses into the state with the use of incentives. For existing Maine businesses, we should include fair, clear tax incentives to grow their businesses and include job creation.

My constituents will benefit from a healthy statewide Maine economy, because reduced income tax and an increase in job creation will lead to more equitable broad base tax revenue without the necessity to increase corporate and personal income taxes.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

I am an independent thinker and always consider the issues and votes in terms of my district rather than partisan positions. My voting record reflects that.

I am approaching the end of my first two year term as Maine State Representative for District 149. My friends and colleagues consider me to be a hard worker and good listener - one who does not pass judgment. I consider myself to be a positive person with an optimistic outlook and am very respectful of others. I enjoy the work that I am doing!

There is a lot more information about me and my legislative accomplishments on my website at http://www.dawnhill.org/.  

 

Republican candidate Bradley S. Moulton of Clay Hill Road in Cape Neddick is self-employed as an attorney and has been in practice for 28 years with an office in Ogunquit. He and his wife Karen, a third-grade teacher, have been married for 30 years and have three children, Helen, Laura and Benjamin.

What are the primary reasons you hope to serve in the Maine Legislature?

I grew up in York, have worked in Ogunquit beginning in 1966, and am the son of a navy yard worker. My mother worked cleaning rooms, navy yard, car dealership in Kittery, and circulation department in a local daily newspaper. I run as out of a desire to serve the people in the community where I grew up and have roots extending back to the mid-1660s.

In addition, I was aware in high school that my community was changing around me. I wanted to make that community better. To do this, I majored in social work and sociology in college; interned two summers for the Maine Department of Human Services; worked several summers as a reserve police officer; worked in government in Washington, D.C., in the courts, transportation and legislative affairs, while attending grad school, acquiring graduate degrees in law and city and regional planning; worked in local community groups; worked part-time as a bail commissioner; worked on the board of the Playhouse Foundation; worked on the board of the York Land Trust, and worked on the board of the York County Child Abuse Prevention Council, all of these things to make my community and state a better place to live. I bring skills, based upon actual work experience, to reform and improve state government. I used those skills previously in the 122^nd Maine Legislature, 2004-2006.

In addition, I have witnessed an opposing candidate who promised to take her constituents' message to Augusta, then turn around within weeks and ignore the pleas of local and school officials in voting with the governor to take away local control of schools through a flawed school consolidation law. In addition, she has voted substantial increases in fees and taxes and had a poor attendance record in Augusta. Having repeatedly visited residents each election cycle, I feel that I am far better informed in the makeup and views of local residents, whom I do not take for granted. This section of the state needs an advocate who is willing to speak out against harmful economic and social policies at the state level, not accommodation, and do so from a level of hard-earned education and experience.

What do you see as the most important issues facing your local communities and the state in the next legislative term?

We have a governor who blamed the preceding administration for diminishing revenues and increasing expenses while perpetuating the problem while initiating expensive new programs, raising new fees and taxes, selling state assets for short cash infusions and borrowing heavily. I feel it is critical for the welfare of the people of this state that we adopt strategies to prioritize our goals, rely less on new taxation and stop adding expensive new programs.

Other issues:

Stop underfunding of corrections and the courts. We are in dire need of more beds for the state prison system, not cannibalizing extra beds on the county level. We increased fines and fees in the courts, but what have we increased spending on court services and facilities?

Stop siphoning funds from the gas tax and use them for their intended purpose of highway maintenance and repair, not pay for highway work through bonds needed for other purposes.

Tackle the burgeoning state bureaucracy as recommended by the Brookings Institution report and initiate reforms to streamline government services.

Reform the State Planning Office, which has stagnated under old doctrines and poor priorities, interfering with its stated goal of helping communities work better and reduce sprawl. Also, revise affordable housing laws to encourage such in areas such as Southern Maine, where modest-income families have no place to live or face lengthy commutes to work

Fix the medical insurance laws, which place Maine in the most expensive tier of states Also, make the governor pay outstanding bills for Maine Care to local hospitals, and stop the governor from finding new ways to tax York Hospital or the people it serves.

Increase spending and programs in the community college programs, while trim those in the university system

Reform state budgeting by adopting zero-based budget review.

What is your stance on the Maine Turnpike Authority toll plaza relocation plan?

I am opposed to a process that has overlooked growth immediately beside the turnpike, especially those neighborhoods where I worked using my legal skills to create house lots for local residents. However, I do not believe in handcuffing the Maine Turnpike Authority in its legal functions, so long as they follow the same rules as any other state authority. I think that introducing harassing bills is little more than a show for local consumption where the legislature as a body has long shown little regard for Southern Maine issues and concerns. We need to focus on the review process and use it to convince the MTA to do their job without needlessly hurting local residents.

In light of the recent school consolidation plan and its impact on local communities, what is your view on the legislature's role in the future of education in Maine?

I think this last legislature, especially those legislators who went along with the governor, missed the boat. Instead of using the "EPS" formula to control administrative spending, the governor initiated a drastic process, stripping away local control as a budget measure. I would introduce a bill delaying implementation of the consolidation law, to allow Mainers to vote on repeal of the state consolidation law, the petitioners for which will shortly file petitions this month. I personally collected over 1,100 signatures after hearing my opponent tell people publicly that she spoke for the silent majority locally, who supported school consolidation. I found very few supporters of school consolidation in its current form. I would also like to see an honest method of achieving cost savings using incentives and involvement by the education community. Even though this response focuses on the consolidation law, my interest in education in Maine is far broader. This state needs to improve education so that all Mainers can enjoy a livable wage and keep more of our high school graduates, not lose them to more attractive schools and jobs elsewhere.

What do you hope to achieve for the constituents you represent if you are elected to serve in Augusta in the term ahead?

I work hard to listen to local priorities and needs and serve as an advocate for them. I do focus on my interest areas, which do coincide with those priorities and mesh well up at the statehouse. Otherwise, I do not believe in making empty promises which I have no intention or ability to carry out.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

I appreciate those readers who took the time to listen to me when I dropped by unannounced and discussed the school consolidation law and other issues with me. 

MAINE HOUSE DISTRICT 150

 

Democratic candidate Ronald J. McAllister of Woodbridge Road is a retired professor and college administrator who grew up in Andover, Mass., and first came to York Beach on family vacations. With his wife, Judith, he lived in North Carolina, California, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania before settling in Maine. They have six grown sons - one of whom lives in York with his wife and their six-month-old son - and six grandchildren.

What are the primary reasons you hope to serve in the Maine Legislature? 

I am a social scientist with a long-standing interest in how society and government work. I want to apply what I have learned to the many social issues facing the state of Maine. I have written and taught about social problems as well as about communities, conflict and conflict resolution. I think such knowledge will be useful in Augusta.

What do you see as the most important issues facing your local communities and the state in the next legislative term? 

The fragile state of the economy is "Number One" to me and to most people with whom I speak. Maine's economy must be broadened and strengthened. Some policies (e.g., tax reform) can be pursued in the short run to make Maine a more hospitable environment for small businesses, but education is the key to Maine's long term prosperity. We must make sure that the curricula taught across the state are challenging to even the best students.

I also see renewable energy as an important issue and as a source of new jobs. We are at the beginning of a revolution in energy production. Our natural resource base positions Maine to play a major role in the development of alternative sources of energy. This effort can help protect and preserve the quality of Maine's natural environment while also giving us greater energy independence. Maine can become increasingly independent through the appropriate development of alternative sources of energy such as wind, solar, hydro and geothermal.

Energy is crucial to our future. We may not be able to control the price of fuel, but by conservation we can control its cost. Conservation is not just a personal virtue; it is a sound basis for public policy. To me, the central issues facing the state - economy, education, energy and environment - are closely linked, as are the solutions.

What is your stance on the Maine Turnpike Authority toll plaza relocation plan? 

I am opposed to enlarging and/or relocating the York Toll Plaza. Building a 22-lane toll collection plaza anywhere on the Maine Turnpike is unnecessary. The MTA needs to make better use of available technology such as all electronic tolling which is already in use in many parts of this country as well as in other countries. This technology is not 10 years in the future as the MTA claims; it is here now and has been for a decade. The citizens of York have shown the quality of our collective wisdom on this question. The MTA must listen to that wisdom. I supported LD-534, but think it unfortunate that the MTA was allowed to miss by two months the deadline for filing their report. 

In light of the recent school consolidation plan and its impact on local communities, what is your view on the legislature's role in the future of education in Maine? 

In principle, I favored school administrative district consolidation - which was not a "school consolidation plan." While I was not persuaded by arguments for implementing the law locally, I did think that greater cooperation between neighboring school districts would have enhanced special programs (e.g., teaching languages) through the sharing of teaching and curricular resources. The legislature must make it a priority to fund adequately early childhood education as well as special education throughout Maine. We must be prepared to invest in education at all levels from pre-K through post-graduate. 

What do you hope to achieve for the constituents you represent if you are elected to serve in Augusta in the term ahead? 

I will work for a healthy economy and for healthy communities. I am committed to seeking greater economic prosperity and to defending those whom society and public policy have disadvantaged. Wellness, prosperity and justice are things the people of York can count on me to pursue. 

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? 

I have never run for political office before. I feel compelled to do so now because I think we are on the wrong track. For most of the last 30 years, the dominant political philosophy in America has promoted the so-called "free market" along with the deregulation of economic interests. In the same period, the freedoms of individuals and families have been increasingly constrained. I believe things must be turned around. It is private citizens who should be free and large corporations that should be kept under closer watch.

 

Incumbent Republican Windol C. Weaver of 4 Weavers Way in York, is retired from the U.S. Air Force. He and his wife Sondra have two sons and four grandchildren. Weaver is finishing his first term serving as York's District 150 representative in Augusta and previously served the town as a member and former chairman of the Budget Committee. He is a lifetime member of the York Veterans of Foreign Wars.

What are the primary reasons you hope to serve in the Maine Legislature?

To fight tax increases and work to reduce the size of government in Augusta. To continue work solving constituent problems with the bureaucrats in Augusta.

What do you see as the most important issues facing your local communities and the state in the next legislative term?

Finding help for heating oil needs of Maine families, solving the healthcare crisis and, of course, the never-ending need to reduce taxes and attract business to Maine.

What is your stance on the Maine Turnpike Authority toll plaza relocation plan?

As sponsor of the bill to delay the relocation for further study, I strongly support "Think Again" about no homes taken and I believe, if it must be replaced, it should be located at the present location.

In light of the recent school consolidation plan and its impact on local communities, what is your view on the legislature's role in the future of education in Maine?

The best thing the legislature can do is stay out of the local education system in York. We have spent years developing our schools and should not be micromanaged from Augusta.

What do you hope to achieve for the constituents you represent if you are elected to serve in Augusta in the term ahead?

To continue the work I have done with many of my constituents, from assisting with social security disability approval to getting a license for a scallop fisherman who had lost it to the bureaucracy involved in government. To continue my efforts to reduce taxes and size of government.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of York. I will be back in Augusta with much more experience and knowledge of the system, knowing I am fully prepared to serve. It will be great to not be a "freshman legislator." Thank you for your support.