Social media accounts: Facebook pages: Elect Karen Montell, Representative Karen Montell

Occupation: Small-business owner

Education: Two years of study, University of Maine; diploma satellite school, Barbizon School of Modeling; graduate, Gardiner Area High School

Community Organizations: Past co-president GEPTA; past board member Gardiner Recycling committee; past board member Kennebec-Somerset Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council; past board member, Governor’s advisory board for Drug Abuse, Prevention and Treatment

Personal information (hobbies, etc.): I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, biking, gardening, golfing and anything fitness related and cooking healthy foods. I like reading books on health and biographies. I also enjoy antiquing and shopping for bargains.

Family status: Married, two grown children

Years in the Legislature: Two

Committee assignments (if elected): I currently serve on Veterans & Legal Affairs. If re-elected I will request: Veterans & Legal Affairs and Transportation

Q&A

1) Define what “success” would look like if you are elected to serve your district.

Success for me would be to continue my work with implementing testing the indoor air quality of the workplaces of public employees and making sure these areas are mitigated to become safe.
Additionally, to continue to support teachers and state workers by paying them a responsible wage and assuring they have a secure retirement.

2) Name one issue the Legislature handled last session. Explain why you agree or disagree with the final outcome.

The Maine Legislature dealt with an initiative to increase the pay of ed techs in our public schools. This support staff serves as a valuable asset to public education, however because the low wages , many could not live on the pay they were receiving. I supported this effort, which was funded in the governor’s supplemental budget.