Michaud running for District 5 seat

16 years ago

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Michaud

By Kathy McCarty  
Staff Writer

    PRESQUE ISLE – Another candidate has stepped forward seeking the seat as representative for District 5.
    “I am running for the House of Representatives, District 5, on the Republican ticket,” said Elizabeth Michaud, of Presque Isle.     The 47-year-old candidate has resided at her current residence in the Star City for the past 24 years. The  divorced mother of two grown children, Michaud is a 1979 graduate of Presque Isle High School and attended Gallaudet University.
    “My son is 26, a two-time Iraq veteran with the United States Marine Corps and lives in Washington state. My daughter is 24, a graduate of NMCC and resides in Presque Isle with her husband and two daughters,” said Michaud.
    The fifth of seven generations of her family to live in the Presque Isle area, Michaud thinks her work and personal experience in the community will aid her in serving others in Augusta. She believes her background working with the hearing impaired will help her address disability issues, if elected.
    “I owned the Sign Language Interpreter agency, which I operated from my home and served the entire state for eight years. I’ve taught sign language Level I and II in the Adult Ed programs in Presque Isle and Caribou,” said Michaud.
    She’s also has experience in the restaurant business, has a financial background and has worked in the construction industry. Michaud also helps with the family business.
    “I was the shift supervisor and Employee of the Year for a fast food restaurant when I was in high school. I’ve worked part-time at Slopes. I was the certified lead teller for First Citizens Bank. Now I’m working in ‘home renovations’ with Underwood Construction Inc. I also enjoy working with my family at Richards’ Christmas Tree Farm, a farm my father started so everyone can enjoy the ambiance of a family Christmas,” she said.
    When not at work, playing with her grandchildren or cross country skiing, she likes to volunteer.
    “I volunteer for the Shrine Circus, the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce baked potato booth at the Northern Maine Fair, and I was recognized for raising the most money by an individual for the Central Aroostook Mentoring program. I also donated time to transport food for the GIFT food pantry,” said Michaud.
    Michaud has the community’s best interest at heart, from education to the economy.
    “I am running for House District 5 to represent the people of Presque Isle, whether it is education, economic development or roads,” she said. “Our school consolidation must make our schools stronger, not just shift costs. This year there was only one road construction project in all of Aroostook County. MDOT is not prioritizing our roads to allow us to keep up.”
    She sees the importance of institutes of higher education working with businesses to build a better future for graduates.
    “I believe the University of Maine and the community colleges are on the right track by cooperative agreements and working with businesses and industry. We should encourage all departments to seek input and alliances with the private sector,” said Michaud.
    A life-long resident of the County, Michaud plans to use her knowledge of the area and experience in various fields to work for improvements in Augusta that will have a direct impact on residents in District 5.
    “I feel I am the best choice for the Legislature because my life experiences of growing up, working, raising a family and keeping a home are the same as yours (residents in District 5). My ties to the people form the basis of my understanding of the needs of the community. Now that my family is grown, I have the time to advocate for the people of Presque Isle. I have 26 years of experience in budgeting and negotiating and I am a goal-oriented, detailed and organized. I know the joys and struggles of our community. I recognize the importance of giving back to the community through volunteering, whether in the schools, civic organizations or public service,” said Michaud.
    While she sees tough times ahead, Michaud said she will work to keep taxpayers from bearing the burden.
    “The state has some lean times ahead. I will oppose any cost-shifting attempts to our local property tax payers. I feel it is necessary to protect the most vulnerable from cuts,” Michaud said.
    Michaud looks forward to serving the citizens of District 5, should she be elected come November.
    “I want to serve because I am from here and for here. I will speak up for our people,” said Michaud.