Voters to pick federal, state, local leaders

Maine voters face numerous choices in federal, state, county and local races in the Tuesday, November 4, election. The U.S. presidential race will undoubtedly increase voter turnout, as the contest between Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama has generated considerable interest over the course this country will take on the financial and energy crises, the war in Iraq and the economy. The higher voter turnout may end up affecting state and local races.

For U.S. president and vice president, voters in Maine will have four choices: Republican Party nominees John McCain of Phoenix, Ariz., and Sarah Palin of Wasilla, Alaska; Green Party nominees Cynthia McKinney of Los Angeles, Calif., and Rosa Clemente of Charlotte, N.C.; Independent candidates Ralph Nader of Winsted, Conn., and Matt Gonzalez of San Francisco, Calif.; and Democratic Party nominees Barack Obama of Chicago, Ill., and Joe Biden of Wilmington, Del.

U.S. SENATE

Profiles of all of the candidates follow. For seats in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, information about candidates' positions on the issues of the economy, energy and the war in Iraq was obtained from their websites.

In the U.S. Senate race, Congressman Tom Allen of Portland is challenging incumbent Senator Susan Collins of Bangor.

Tom Allen

In 2002, Tom Allen voted against giving the president the authority to invade Iraq. Since then, he has worked to end the country's involvement in the war. He was worked to set a deadline for bringing troops home and has voted against measures for funding that do not include binding deadlines for withdrawal. He has called for oversight hearings on private contractors and any waste of taxpayers' dollars.

Allen voted for the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, stating that the measure is necessary to address the decline in the financial markets and the economy. He argues that the act ensures oversight of the financial markets, requires repayment to taxpayers if and when securities recover their value, eliminates golden parachutes for executives and provides opportunities for struggling homeowners to avoid foreclosure. He believes Congress must continue to modernize financial regulations to ensure that a similar situation will not occur again.

Allen has put forward a six-part plan for improving the economy that includes proposals to improve infrastructure, invest in manufacturing and end unfair trade deals, improve the education system, help Maine's small businesses and focus attention on rural economic development, and provide tax relief to the middle class.

His energy plan would address both the immediate energy crisis to give the middle class relief from high prices and would create an energy policy for this century. The plan would crack down on Wall Street speculators and give the Federal Trade Commission the authority to prevent price gouging. To help Mainers with the high cost of oil, it would offer refundable tax credits and low interest loans and would seek full funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The plan would pressure oil companies to drill on leases that they already hold to increase supplies of domestic oil and would roll back tax breaks for large oil companies. It would make fuel efficiency and renewable energy national priorities, requiring 25% of all electricity generated by 2020 to be from renewable sources.

Susan Collins

Susan Collins voted, in 2002, in favor of authorizing the U.S. invasion of Iraq. In March 2007, she stated that if Bush's strategy in Iraq does not show "significant results" by fall, then Congress should "consider all options including a redefinition of our mission and a gradual but significant withdrawal of our troops next year." However, she has opposed setting a timeline or deadline for withdrawal of troops.

Collins voted for the $700 billion economic stabilization legislation in order to prevent "devastating consequences to our economy." She believes the bill that passed contained significant improvements over the administration's earlier proposal, including strong protection for taxpayers, curbs on excessive compensation for executives and tough oversight and accountability. The legislation could enable taxpayers to not only recover the cost of the plan but to realize a profit. Collins states that the roots of the problem "lie in the past decade of the real-estate bubble, relaxed lending standards, insufficient regulation of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and the creation of complicated securities tied to mortgages that were no longer held by the lenders and brokers that originated them." She believes greater regulation of the financial markets could have helped minimize the current strains on the economy.

Collins voted against the Farm Bill this year, stating that it contained "massive, wasteful taxpayer subsidies for large agribusinesses in the Midwest and South at the expense of family farms in the Northeast."

On energy issues, Collins believes the country should work toward energy independence by 2020. Her plan calls for increasing American supplies of oil and natural gas by expanding drilling on federal lands and on the 95% of Alaska's lands that are already open to oil drilling; extending federal regulation to the oil futures markets; improving energy efficiency and increasing funding for weatherization; fully funding and restructuring the LIHEAP program; improving vehicle efficiency and alternatives to gasoline; ending tax breaks for oil companies and directing funds to consumers' alternative energy; and promoting tidal, geothermal, solar and wind energy.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

For the 2nd District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, Republican candidate John Frary of Farmington is challenging incumbent Democratic Congressman Michael Michaud of East Millinocket.

John Frary

A retired college professor, John Frary always appears with his trademark hat and cane, throwing barbs at his opponent.

On foreign policy, he states, "John McCain, rather than resorting to any of the verbal laxatives the PC dweebs use on the subject, called Islamic extremists and jihadists 'a great force for evil that wants to destroy everything we stand for.' Precisely." He criticizes liberals, stating that they believe that bureaucracy, education and social science will "suppress the eternal passion for violence with studies, reports, committees, memoranda and conferences." He adds sardonically, "Social science, which has never solved a single problem, is going to bring the world to peaceful habits by eradicating hatred. Somewhere, the sheep are restless."

Concerning the financial bailout, he says the economic crisis is a crisis of debt. He blames Congress for running up the national debt, and states, "I am proposing that the people and the government that represents them live within their means, exercise thrift and take personal responsibility for their lives."

Frary believes that the main reasons that Maine remains uncompetitive economically are high taxes, overregulation, high utility rates and transportation costs. He favors restoring rail lines, stating that the people of Maine should "stop letting the dolts in Augusta tear up our rail beds to make recreational trails for fair-weather tourists and instead turn Maine's entire rail infrastructure back into cost-effective, year-round transportation."

On energy issues, he has proposed an oil refinery at the site of the former Loring Air Force Base in Aroostook County, shipping the oil through a pipeline to the port at Searsport. He favors nuclear power and advocates for bringing back the Maine Yankee plant. Frary also favors rebuilding hydro-electric dams on Maine's rivers. "Maine should admit that getting rid of the dams didn't bring back the fish, and that putting the dams back won't harm the few fish that remain."

Michael Michaud

U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud has opposed the war in Iraq from the beginning. He has called for a new strategy that empowers the Iraqi people to take control of their own country. He has voted for the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act, which would require troops to be redeployed within 120 days.

Michaud voted against the $700 billion bail-out bill, believing that while it was necessary for Congress to act swiftly to address the problems in the credit markets, the bill was deeply flawed. He believes the measure provides no real check on the administration's ability to spend the full $700 billion; that the provisions to pay back taxpayers are "little more than fantasy;" and that it will allow for the bailing out of foreign investors with no guarantee of reinvestment in the U.S.

Concerning the economy, he authored legislation to create the Northern Border Regional Commission, which was passed and directs $30 million every year to projects such as transportation, energy and telecommunications infrastructure. In 2005 he helped with the passage of a bill that authorized almost $1 billion for Maine's federal transportation programs through fiscal year 2009, which was a significant increase over previous years. He led the effort to nearly double the workforce at Limestone's Defense Financing and Accounting Service office when it was threatened with closure and voted to pass the Alternative Minimum Tax to provide tax relief for middle-class families.

Michaud's plan for lowering energy costs this winter includes: releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to increase supply now; increasing funding for the LIHEAP program; increasing weatherization assistance; and cracking down on energy speculators who exploit regulatory loopholes and drive up the price of fuel. For long-term energy independence, he favors increasing domestic oil production through expanded drilling offshore and on land; investing in renewable energy; and encouraging wind generation, tidal power and bio-fuel production in Maine.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT #29

Candidates for the Maine Senate and House seats were all asked the following questions: their proposals for economic development on which they would work; the measures which they would support to help residents with the energy crisis; and areas they would have the legislature address concerning school consolidation.

Incumbent Republican Kevin Raye of Perry is being challenged for the State Senate District #29 seat by Democratic candidate Karen Johnson of Machias and Independent Dana Kadey of Princeton.

Karen Johnson

Karen Johnson has spent the past 45 years in the education field and now wants to serve as spokesperson for Washington County residents who would like to see alternative energy sources created in Washington County and then sell the excess power back on the grid. "The Gulf of Maine is the Saudi Arabia for alternate energy," she says, echoing former Governor Angus King's pitch. "We have to be receptive to new ideas and not fight them. It would be wonderful for our kids if each little community had their own wind farm. We could get our energy without cutting down a lot of trees."

"There are a lot of people in Eastport and Lubec and other towns, working to harness solar and tidal energy," she continues. "We have to get the regulations in place. Gridlock in the legislature makes this difficult. I saw two bills for the support of small wind and solar powered projects that went down [in defeat]. I'll be right there voting for that type of legislation, and want to offer incentives and allotments."

In addition to being a leader in the energy revolution, Johnson wants Washington County to welcome change, including retraining for skilled jobs and re-tooling the area's mills.

If elected, Johnson would submit and/or support legislation that would allow Mainers to get out of any contract they signed with their fuel company, if the cost of fuel goes down. "That's not fair. Mainers don't like that kind of stuff. We're the most oil dependent state in the U.S., and we need to kick that habit."

"I think while the Republicans' idea of cutting everything, cutting taxes, is bunko," says Johnson. "We need the help from the government. Around here, we get far more than we pay for. Without ponying up, we won't get the payback. Washington County residents aren't dumb."

The long-time educator says Maine schools are experiencing declining enrollment, and technology is lacking in rural areas. "We have to make sure school funding is more important than consolidation, but local control is important."

Johnson believes that the state, on its own, should not be making important decisions affecting schools. "We need to make sure it's a cooperative effort between the state and communities."

Dana Kadey

Dana Kadey says he has never served in political office, "but I'm concerned that the State of Maine is about $8 billion in debt, and politicians are voting in more and more money to spend." Kadey is retired from 35 years in the teaching profession as well as U.S. Customs and Immigration, where he was employed for over 30 years.

"I'm concerned about the way the state is going. We need new direction. Every time a problem comes up, the legislature creates a law to solve the problem, then there's bureaucracy and they raise taxes," says Kadey. "It's time for individuals and groups in communities to solve problems."

Kadey believes Washington County should be "an energy source, instead of soaking up energy. If it was private ownership, not built by the government, I'd like to see 10 nuclear power plants here and a permanent waste facility. Nuclear power has taken a bad rap. There has never been a nuclear accident that has taken a life in western Europe. We could provide power to the East Coast."

The candidate does not generally approve of government-financed assistance for Mainers who are finding it hard to heat their homes. "This is a typical example of government. If you feed the birds year round, they get dependent on you," says Kadey. "That's what's happened to us with oil. We cry out to have the government help when we would be helping one another in the community. The safety net has turned into a net of entrapment." He says he knows people who live all alone in big houses, but that is their choice. Programs such as LIHEAP shouldn't be funding that choice of lifestyle. "If we continue to depend on the government, the government is not going to have any money. It snowballs and makes things worse," he says. "A good example is the financial bailout of Wall Street."

The former teacher is against school consolidation in Maine. "Throw that law out. The state should get out of education. Education should be a local issue. For every dollar we send to the legislature for education, what do we get back? Not much. I'd like to see county government involved."

Kevin Raye

Kevin Raye, who owns Raye's Mustard Mill in Eastport, is seeking his third term as a state senator. "I will continue to work for Washington County by changing the direction of state government so Maine can be more progressive and welcoming to business and job creation. I think, most importantly, the tax and regulatory burdens should be eased. We have the worst record for business survival in the country."

He is unhappy with the state's handling of funding for schools. "I want to change our education laws concerning educational funding and educational consolidation. They discriminate against rural Maine. I've been a vocal opponent against consolidation. I was one of seven senators who voted against it, and I hope more people are going to be on my side [in the legislature] after the election."

Raye has been very concerned about the energy crisis and how it is affecting Maine residents. "I called upon the governor to call the legislature into session to deal with it," points out Raye. "It seems inexplicable to wait until a crisis hits before you deal with it."

"The Maine Legislature should take a look at its Rainy Day Fund," say Raye, estimating it to be about $200 million. "It's pouring right now, and that's what it's for."

"It's uplifting to see how people are pulling together to help each other," he adds. "Back in July, I arranged for a host of agencies to be represented at an energy forum at The Boat School. It was astounding, on a hot evening in the summer, how many people attended."

The senator says he is a big supporter of alternative energy. "I'm a big supporter of ORPC's [Ocean Renewable Power Company] harnessing the tides. I think that holds tremendous potential."

Raye would like to assist in bringing down the cost of health insurance in Maine. "Policies here cost twice as much, for the same benefits, as elsewhere." He points out that the upcoming Question 1 referendum question not only asks voters if they want to fund the Dirigo Health Program by adding taxes onto certain beverages, it also will charge health insurance companies a fixed fee on paid claims. "I voted against them and will vote to repeal them on November 4," says Raye.

HOUSE DISTRICT #11

In House District #11, incumbent Everett McLeod Sr. of Lee is running unopposed.

HOUSE DISTRICT #30

Democrat Dennis Mahar of Pembroke is challenging incumbent Rep. Howard McFadden of Dennysville in House District #30, which includes 22 towns and 10 unorganized territories.

Dennis Mahar

Dennis Mahar, a Pembroke resident and a practicing lawyer, says, "I am running for election because I think Washington County needs to have a strong voice in Augusta and I don't think we have it now." Mahar believes representatives from rural areas need to be heard.

To help the economy of the county, Mahar believes there is a need to spur economic development within Washington County instead of trying to attract large businesses from outside that often don't come. "There are small businesses that are poised to grow," he says.

Mahar would like to see tax credits for energy updates in homes. He would also like to see help for people who don't have the money for insulation and don't have the money to update heating equipment for their homes. He also supports the pursuit of tidal and wind power projects as a means to deal with the energy crisis.

Mahar says the state legislature needs to repeal the school consolidation law and do it right. "I think the way they have done it isn't appropriate for rural areas," he states.

Howard McFadden

Howard McFadden is seeking a third term as a state representative. Now retired, McFadden served as principal of the Dennysville school.

McFadden says he supports the proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) proposals. "I would support almost any proposal for this area," comments McFadden." He served on the Washington County Economic Task Force appointed by the governor. "We met for a year but nothing came of it." He believes the governor could have provided financing for some of the proposals from the Rainy Day Fund. "They don't want to know that we are here."

"I know the federal government has put more money up for meeting the energy crisis, but there are more people applying for help through the LIHEAP fund and more money needs to be appropriated." Once again, McFadden believes the governor's Rainy Day Fund could help. "People will be cold in December, and the legislature doesn't meet until February."

One of the main reasons for his seeking a third term, McFadden says, is to try to fix the school consolidation law. "It is a terrible law." According to McFadden, it is sending money to southern Maine. "What they are doing is robbing the poor with 84% of the funding coming back to this area and 108% of the money going south," he says. "It is a flawed law. The Essential Program and Servicing Funding Act formula is just like a beaver dam. You plug up one hole and it leaks somewhere else."

HOUSE DISTRICT #31

In House District #31, Republican Judith Alexander of Calais is challenging the Democratic incumbent Rep. Anne Perry of Calais.

Judith Alexander

Judith Alexander says she is running for a seat in the legislature because "I don't feel we have had adequate representation in Washington County. My opponent has missed one out of four votes in the legislature."

She comments, "For economic development, I want to make Maine a more friendly atmosphere for businesses. Right now regulations are so tight that businesses don't want to come here."

Concerning how to help residents with the energy crisis, she states, "Although there are programs in place to help just low income folks and a lot of our people who are older, I believe heat, food and health are the basic needs. Washington County has the resources to be the energy capital of Maine. And that's in solar, wind and hydro. Maine Maritime Academy is working on a project for underwater turbines."

Commenting on the school consolidation plan, she says, "First, it's a flawed plan that favors urban areas not rural ones. There is not another plan anywhere that is like it. The Brookings Institute report was talking about urban schools which were inefficient. It goes on to say that rural schools are doing a good job and you don't want to lose the volunteerism that you've got. And it will cost us a lot."

Anne Perry

Anne Perry says that she has a strong commitment to the people of this area. During her six years as a legislator, she has managed to get into a leadership position as House chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, which "allows me to speak with a stronger voice and work with the Washington County delegation."

Perry points out that during the last session of the legislature she introduced a proposal for a portion of sales taxes collected in the county to remain in the county for economic development. The bill died in committee without action. "I intend to reintroduce that bill and also work with DCED [Department of Economic and Community Development] to find ways to support the small businesses in the county to help them grow."

Concerning the energy crisis, she states, "The most important thing right now is to ensure that residents get to the programs that are offering assistance in weatherization and fuel."

Perry says that she plans to continue to work on finding equity in state funding and education opportunities for area students and to find a sustainable way to do this. "This may mean that we push for more leniency in what the structure of 'administrative consolidation' should look like. We, in the House, tried that last session and got a small change that did help some districts. It would be worthwhile to take a hard look at the administrative burden of the federal and state regulations and find a way to consolidate and simplify requirements of reporting and record keeping. I plan to submit a proposal to develop a study group of state and school districts to address this issue."

HOUSE DISTRICT #32

In House District #32, Republican David Burns of Whiting and Democratic candidate Katherine Cassidy of Machias are vying for the seat that has been held by Rep. Ian Emery of Cutler.

David Burns

Dave Burns holds an A.A. in law enforcement from the University of Maine, served as a state police officer for 24 years, and retired in 1994 as a detective sergeant. He has operated a private investigation office, worked for Washington County Psychotherapy Associates and directed the Rapid Response Program for children exposed to trauma and rural crime victims. Burns has 25 years of experience on committees for schools, town planning, domestic violence, substance abuse, community health services, child abuse and the Washington County Development Authority. He is a lifelong hunter and sport fisherman and is a member of the Down East Baptist Church in Machias.

Burns says he believes local problems and opportunities are best addressed locally, "but the state must allow us to do so."

Economic development depends on local efforts to support existing businesses and attract new ones by establishing a business-friendly environment. On the state level, the Republican supports legislation that offers incentives and reduces the "red tape that presently stifles and scares off business growth in Maine." The state has "the 49th worst business climate in the country," Burns states. He wants to "put business in some of our vacant buildings, train youth to support the fishing industry, [develop] alternative energy initiatives, and promote value-added industry related to our natural resources."

To help residents meet home heating costs, Burns wants to see an increase in LIHEAP funds and more collaborative efforts like the "faith community fuel coop." He encourages initiatives like the firewood program on public lands and recommends that family and friends share housing this winter. He supports "volunteerism from both retirees and youth to check up on the poor and elderly," practices he follows himself.

Burns thinks the school consolidation law should be repealed or amended to allow rural communities to establish "super unions." He wants to redesign the present funding formula to "treat rural areas equally and allow for education service districts so schools can purchase transportation, fuel, supplies, training, etc. from one source. Above all, Burns supports "local control" and believes "it must be restored."

Katherine Cassidy

Katherine Cassidy holds a B.A. from Wellesley College. The Maryland native worked for 25 years as a writer in various media, has traveled to 43 countries and has lived abroad, two years in Scotland and a year in South Africa. She moved to Maine in 2001 and to Machias in 2003. In her campaign, she has "knocked on 1,759 doors," seeking the views of Washington County people. As a reporter for the Bangor Daily News from 2003-2006, she covered "hundreds of meetings" about a wide range of issues. She is a strong supporter of the Washington County Adult Drug Treatment Court.

The Democrat says she is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt's dictum, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." "The state is not going to save us," she adds, "and our growth and inspiration needs to come from within." She vows she would be "a communicative, energetic and earnest representative."

Cassidy advocates "tax credits for alternative and new energy sources, and investment in research and development to bring new power and new jobs" to the area. She supports small business in Washington County and also wants to attract "bigger employers through improved roads, high-speed Internet and cell phone service across Washington County." She would like to see the state's fourth wood pellet business established in Lubec. "The pellets could move over the water to ship out of Eastport to European markets," Cassidy says.

If elected, Cassidy says she would work to see that Maine and Washington County get their share of federal LIHEAP funds. But "helping our elderly get through the winter is only partially a job for state government," she adds. "It's primarily the duty of neighbors."

Cassidy wants to see the repeal of the school consolidation law. She says, "Schools could actually be run locally C organized and coordinated county by county." She also supports charter schools, noting that Maine is "one of just 11 states that does not allow charter schools." She believes the charter school model "would make education truly local yet still educationally and financially responsible to the state." Cassidy also proposes that the legislature develop a "magnet school" in Eastport or Lubec "that would focus on arts, culture and the environment."

HOUSE DISTRICT #33

Democratic candidate Marie Emerson of Addison and Republican Dianne Tilton of Harrington are running for the House District #33 seat that has been held by Rep. Joseph Tibbetts of Columbia.

Marie Emerson

Marie Emerson has a 26-year career of teaching culinary arts at Washington County Community College. She is the owner of an agri-tourism business, blueberry farm and processing facility.

As a teacher, she says she cares about the young people of Maine and their ability to stay in Maine. She believes that high paying jobs are critically important to their retention. Alternative energy is the key to economic development in Washington County. The first priority is tidal power, the second is wind, and the third is solar. She feels that tidal turbines would create related manufacturing and educational opportunities in conjunction with the community college and university system. As these three energy areas are developed, Emerson believes that developing electric cooperatives would be a critical step to gaining ownership over Washington County's future.

In response to the energy crisis, she says community needs could be met with increased attention to LIHEAP funding, conservation measures and alternative energy tax incentives. If there is another stimulus package, she believes that it should be used for immediate and long-lasting energy measures. Tax incentives would stimulate home and business owners to consider installing their own alternative energy systems.

Emerson believes in the importance of local control when it comes to school consolidation. Schools must streamline for efficiency, but local school boards know their schools best and will have the most insight into how to create efficiencies. She suggests that some school boards are creating models of their own for the Department of Education's consideration. These models, if approved, are what the area needs, not school consolidation mandates.

Other areas of special interest to Emerson are: value-added business development; universal health care; and tuition incentives for higher education costs. As a life-long proponent of small business, she feels that Washington County needs to stop sending its natural resources out of state without first having those resources go through a value-added process involving many additional jobs. Her solution to the burden of high education costs would be to offer free tuition to those students who are willing to stay after graduation and work in the state of Maine.

Dianne Tilton

Dianne Tilton is a native of Harrington, a graduate of University of Maine, Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, 1989-1992; executive director of the Sunrise County Economic Council, 1993-2006; and senior development specialist, RHR Smith & Co., CPA. She is running because she has worked with and around the legislature for many years and has served on many statewide boards. She always enjoyed this kind of interface with the government until about six years ago when she realized that the current administration was not interested in Washington County. It was the ongoing experience of seeing Washington County rebuffed by Augusta that put the idea of running for office in her head, along with the opportunity presented when the district seat opened.

Tilton says she would like to serve on the legislature's Business Research and Economic Development Committee. The government oversight office, OPEGA, recently completed an evaluation on the effectiveness of the state's economic development programs. This committee would get a chance to review and make recommendations for changes.

She would work to ensure policies at the state level to facilitate renewable energy generation, rather than presenting regulatory and other barriers, as Washington County has a competitive advantage in this sector. She would also like to help reform the Department of Marine Resources into an agency that embraces community-based resource management and values the marine industry as much as the marine environment.

In response to the energy crisis, Tilton would support a tax credit, similar to what has been provided on the national level, for energy conservation measures taken at home, and expand the Public Utilities Commission's energy efficiency grant program to provide funding to community-based programs that help the elderly and other low-income people insulate their homes and make alternative heating systems more affordable.

Closing and/or re-grouping schools is a decision for the school board and communities and should remain so, Tilton believes. The gap between ever-rising education expenses and shrinking state subsidy caused by high local valuations and low student enrollment can only be filled by property taxes. She would support any effort to explore changes to elements of Essential Programs and Services funding formula that considers actual ability to pay over presumed ability to pay, or changes in the way the state sets local valuations.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT #2

Republican incumbent Chris Gardner of Edmunds is being challenged by Democrat Albion Goodwin of Pembroke and unenrolled candidate Bickford (Roland) Ramsdell of Cutler for the County Commissioner District #2 seat. The candidates were asked about economic development initiatives that the county could work on; the jail/prison consolidation plan; and the construction and demolition debris landfill proposed by the Marion Transfer Station board.

Chris Gardner

Chris Gardner is a 1996 graduate of the University of Maine in Machias with a degree in business administration. From 1996 to 2003 he worked for the Washington County Sheriff's Department, and from 2003 through 2007 he worked for the Eastport Police Department. Currently he works as the executive director of the Eastport Port Authority.

Gardner is running for re-election because of his belief "in the future of this county." He states that the working family needs to be a priority again. "If we don't focus on growing our population through investment in our youth, we will never stop the cycle that is plaguing Washington County."

In regards to economic development incentives, he feels that one of county government's central roles should always be job growth. Gardner believes that marketing the entire county is an important part of the commission's mission. If reelected, he says he would continue to work with the rail industry to return rail to Washington County. Gardner also believes in the role of green energy to the county's future growth. Referencing First Wind's Stetson Mountain project, he says, "We put together the very first tax incentive agreement ever in the unorganized territories of Maine to make sure Washington County was a good home for First Wind."

Because of the changes wrought by the jail/prison consolidation plan, Gardner believes that the commissioners must continue to work with the newly formed State Board of Corrections (BOC) to ensure that the promises made to the taxpayer in the passage of the law are strictly adhered to. "If the county portion of any new facility becomes a hindrance then we should, and must, step away."

Gardner believes that the Marion Transfer Station's proposed debris landfill, done correctly, could possibly continue to offer great benefits to the communities of Washington County. He stresses that it must be done appropriately, with an active role by the commissioners in the review process.

Albion Goodwin

Albion Goodwin served four terms in the Maine Legislature and has served as a selectman in Pembroke and on the planning board, the Pembroke utility district, conservation commission, the comprehensive planning committee and the school board. He says he is familiar with budgets and how local, county and state governments work.

He believes that sensible budgeting could reduce county spending and lower property taxes for towns in the county. "With the state budget funding in shambles, we can expect no monetary help from Augusta. I am the candidate for County Commissioner District #2 who will make the cuts required in the budget and make county government transparent and open."

He says the commissioners should work with town planners "to bring thoughtful economic development to the county." He adds, "We need to find ways and means to increase the number of jobs with good pay and benefits. This will keep the graduates here and hopefully bring in new folks."

Goodwin says that a bill that he submitted in the Legislature allowing for electrical power aggregation would lower electric rates for people in the county, if the county commissioners act on the measure, which was enacted by the legislature.

Concerning the jail/prison consolidation plan, Goodwin states, "We just made our final bond payment on overhaul of the jail. As county commissioner, I will tour inspect the jail, assess the conditions and if necessary will work with the sheriff and jail employees to bring it up to standard. I have not heard that we are not up to standards." He adds, "The governor has talked about a prison consolidated plan. The people in Washington County will vote in referendum for any plan put forward for a new prison, when I am county commissioner."

Goodwin says, concerning the proposal by the Marion Transfer Station for a new landfill, "I will look at any proposal put forward by the board to the county commissioners for any review or action they require of the county. The county commissioners act as selectmen, planners, road commissioners, conservation commission of the unorganized territory within Washington County."

Albion Goodwin

Albion Goodwin served four terms in the Maine Legislature and has served as a selectman in Pembroke and on the planning board, the Pembroke utility district, conservation commission, the comprehensive planning committee and the school board. He says he is familiar with budgets and how local, county and state governments work.

He believes that sensible budgeting could reduce county spending and lower property taxes for towns in the county. "With the state budget funding in shambles, we can expect no monetary help from Augusta. I am the candidate for County Commissioner District #2 who will make the cuts required in the budget and make county government transparent and open."

He says the commissioners should work with town planners "to bring thoughtful economic development to the county." He adds, "We need to find ways and means to increase the number of jobs with good pay and benefits. This will keep the graduates here and hopefully bring in new folks."

Goodwin says that a bill that he submitted in the Legislature allowing for electrical power aggregation would lower electric rates for people in the county, if the county commissioners act on the measure, which was enacted by the legislature.

Concerning the jail/prison consolidation plan, Goodwin states, "We just made our final bond payment on overhaul of the jail. As county commissioner, I will tour inspect the jail, assess the conditions and if necessary will work with the sheriff and jail employees to bring it up to standard. I have not heard that we are not up to standards." He adds, "The governor has talked about a prison consolidated plan. The people in Washington County will vote in referendum for any plan put forward for a new prison, when I am county commissioner."

Goodwin says, concerning the proposal by the Marion Transfer Station for a new landfill, "I will look at any proposal put forward by the board to the county commissioners for any review or action they require of the county. The county commissioners act as selectmen, planners, road commissioners, conservation commission of the unorganized territory within Washington County."

Bickford "Roland" Ramsdell of Cutler, an unenrolled candidate for the county commissioner seat, did not respond to requests to answer the questions that were posed.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT #1

For Washington County Commissioner in District #1, incumbent Kevin Shorey of Calais is running unopposed.