Maine House Candidates 2012
House District 54
Winslow and Benton - Map
Catherine Nadeau
Democrat - Winslow
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because I have been involved in local politics for over 20 years, and now I would like to represent the citizens of Winslow and Benton in Augusta. I believe the experience I have gained will enable me to be an effective voice for the concerns of Winslow and Benton during these difficult times.
What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
I believe the lack of good-quality jobs is the biggest issue facing the state. This has not changed in the last 2 years and had led to high unemployment, our young people leaving the state, and an increase in the number of foreclosures and more turning to welfare. People want to be able to work and live in this great state, but they have to earn a reasonable income.
What is the biggest issue for voters in your district?
Based on a lot of discussions I have had with voters while going door to door, I believe there are two main issues depending on the age of voters. For those still working or looking for work, the availability of good-quality, dependable jobs is their main concern. For those who have retired and live on a fixed income, the ever-increasing cost of living (gas, heating oil, food, medical costs) is their big concern. People need to live without worrying about how they are going to provide these essential necessities.
What is the most important thing government can do to improve the economy?
If we really want to create jobs and improve the economy, we need to change the way we do things in Augusta by focusing on job creators, small businesses and young entrepreneurs right here at home. That starts with strengthening public education to develop a well trained workforce and supporting our downtowns and local businesses by giving them the tools they need to get their businesses off the ground and create new jobs in the future while building the Maine brand. It is time to start spending money wisely by investing it in small business owners right here in Maine.
What is one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want the citizens of Winslow and Benton to know they have a representative who will make sure their concerns are heard. One more concern I have is about our schools. We cannot afford to keep cutting positions or essential programs without affecting the quality of education. An investment in our schools is an investment in our future. I will keep these concerns in mind when I represent Winslow and Benton in Augusta. If I accomplish only one thing, I want the citizens of Winslow and Benton to know that they are being listened to and their concerns are echoed in the legislature.
What differentiates you from your opponent(s) in this race?
I have lived in the area my entire life and graduated from Winslow High School. I know the history of the area and have grown up with many of the people I will represent. I have served the citizens of Winslow for over 20 years and know how to work with people to get things done regardless of political affiliation. The key to success in any task is working together and the willingness to listen to the ideas of others.
Susan Morissette
Republican - Winslow
Why are you running for office?
I'm running for office to continue to ensure that the government serves the people. Maine has great potential but there needs to be continued change in Augusta for Maine to see that potential. Maine's economic situation did not begin with the recession and the path to recovery is essential in creating good paying jobs so our children have the opportunity to stay in Maine and prosper.
What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The poor economic conditions that adversely impact jobs and people's opportunities is the largest issue facing our state. Maine has not kept up with the pace of the rest of the nation due to over thirty years of policies that were implemented and much work is still needed to keep an upward move towards increased prosperity for our current population and future generations. Maine people are working and deserve the opportunity to succeed with options of employment that allow them to prosper.
What is the biggest issue for voters in your district?
There are many issues that are important to our district. The economy is always of topic when I travel the district speaking to neighbors. There are other concerns that have a huge impact here. Serving on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee has allowed me to work with domestic violence and drug abuse issues. I have been honored to serve as the only legislator on the prescription drug abuse task force. This has allowed me to work to implement plans to protect our community from the effects of these problems that directly affect our pharmacies, doctors and neighbors.
What is the most important thing government can do to improve the economy?
State government needs to bring spending to a sustainable level and address the non competitive areas of taxation and regulation that are keeping jobs away. Our young people will stay when there is economic opportunity. To achieve economic prosperity, there needs to be a fundamental reform of state government and a change in philosophy to make Maine an attractive place for the private sector to invest. Other states have made these changes and the results have been achieved.
What is one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
My one accomplishment that I would continue to work diligently toward is to represent my neighbors with total passion and energy at the state house. To listen to their concerns and continue to make them my up most goal in all that I do.
What differentiates you from your opponent(s) in this race?
My opponent is a very nice lady. Her husband and children are wonderful. My opponent and I differ on taxes. I believe the people of Maine are taxed too much. I believe the way to reduce that burden is to reduce government. My opponent believes that if she can afford a little more, everyone can. She believes that increasing property taxes will solve the problems that are at issue in our community. I believe that the people of Maine are intelligent enough to spend their money how they see fit not how the government sees fit.