Name: Jackie Lundeen
District: Senate District 34
Age: 64
Occupation: I am retired; I’ve spent the past eight years serving as the state representative for District 34.
Education: K-12 ; I took courses at Northern Maine Community College, with a focus on human relations.
Political experience: I’ve served eight years in Augusta as state representative and am presently the Democratic chair in Mars Hill.
Community service/volunteer experience: I was a member of the SAD 42 School Board for about eight years and have been active in the community. I was chosen one of the Top 10 Women in Maine Agriculture, am a member of the Mars Hill Rotary Club and a member of the Mars Hill Methodist Church.
Family: I’ve been married to my husband, Garth, 46 years. Our children include: Trent Lundeen, Stephanie McLaughlin, and our deceased daughter, Melanie Lundeen. We also have five grandchildren. My 87-year-old mother, Anna Orser, still resides in her own home in Mars Hill.
Why are you running for office? I want to provide a voice for the people of Aroostook County. I’m trying to make a difference. I’m a people person. I’m very concerned about the elderly – from health issues and how they’ll cover medical expenses and medications, to the high cost of maintaining a home in light of rising fuel costs. I want to work to find a way to prevent the out-migration of our younger generation. I want to see young people stay in Aroostook. I will work to make Aroostook business-friendly and promote jobs in the County. I support the veterans who have given us our freedom and me the opportunity to take part in a democratic society. I am against school consolidation and support the repeal of the law.
What is the most concerning issue facing Mainers at this time? How do you propose to fix that? One of the issues is the school consolidation. I think it needs more time to be worked out by local people and superintendents – those who will be affected by it. Health insurance is another important issue that needs to be addressed. We need to come up with a program that will serve the health needs of all the people of Maine and make it affordable. Too many people have little or no coverage. It’s up to lawmakers to find a solution that everyone can afford. I also would like to make it easier for students who get a college education to pay their loans off. One possible solution might be to reduce the interest rates on such loans, making it easier for students to pay them off.
Name: Sen. Roger L. Sherman
District: Senate 34
Age: 67
Occupation: Retired teacher/retired farmer
Education: B.S. Ricker College, M.S. University of New Hampshire and J.D. University of Maine Law School.
Political experience: Maine Teachers Board of Directors, NEA Director of State of Maine Washington, D.C., Maine House of Representatives (8 years) and Maine Senate (2 years).
Community service/volunteer experience: Local Planning Board (President of Senior Citizen Housing).
Family: Wife, Patricia, children: Brad, Gregory, Eric and Michelle, and lots of “grand” children
Why are you running for office? I believe that at some point, there will be a realization that Maine government cannot continue down the road of taxes, fees, fines, regulations, forced school consolidation (fast tracks). With more and more central planning impacting the rim counties to the detriment of those of us who live here. I would like to be part of that revolution of thought and purpose, encouraging forest, farm, schools and small business to thrive.
What is the most concerning issue facing Mainers at this time? How do you propose to fix that? There are issues large and small, the state budget is not gathering the tax revenue sufficient to pay 100 percent of all ongoing programs. The Governor has asked departments to prepare 10 percent cuts, setting the stage for a new legislature facing judgments as to where and how those reductions will be made. I would ask that there be no rush to judgment, but each committee of oversight must bring itself up to speed on Departments budgets in order for a logical and careful change.
The School Consolidation mess must be a top priority with the Education Committee’s careful review of local concerns/problems as possible reject many of the consolidation plans. The fact that 60,000 signatures have asked for repeal must be a factor to be considered with respect for those voices who wish a path. Repeal or repair.
District 35
Name: Daniel Deveau
District: Senate District 35
Age: 50
Occupation: I’m a potato farmer. I have also held the positions of first selectman, as well as town manager, for the community of Cyr Plantation.
Education: I attended the University of Maine at Orono.
Political experience: I’m the past president of the Aroostook County Extension Association, past president of the Van Buren Jaycees, past director of the U.S. Potato Board and am the past Maine Potato Board Young Farmer of the Year. I am also a past member of the St. Bruno Parish Council and have held various civic advisory council positions and have served on several boards and committees over the years.
Community service/volunteer experience: I am a past member of the Social Justice and Peace Commission with St. Bruno’s Church.
Family: My wife, Brenda, and I have been married for over 14 years. We have a 12-year-old daughter, Chantal.
Why are you running for office? I want to bring back rural Maine to the people of the state. This is a beautiful state, with much to offer, both from a tourist perspective and as a place to live and raise a family. The state has numerous resources to work with, to help build a better and brighter future for all, most notably the hardworking people of Maine, many of whom work for family businesses, be it farming like I do, a diner, store or something else.
What is the most concerning issue facing Mainers at this time? How do you propose to fix that? I see a number of issues concerning Mainers. If elected, I want the voters in my district to hold their legislators accountable. As an elected official, I will work with their concerns in mind, making every effort to see issues are dealt with fairly and in a timely manner. Decisions should be made for the best interest of the county, not in the interest of Augusta, for example: school consolidation, energy issues, health care, jobs and taxes. The people of Aroostook are frugal, creative and intelligent. I want to be their messenger in Augusta.
Name: Troy Dale Jackson
District: State Senate District 35
Age: 40
Occupation: Logger
Education: Associates in Business, University of Maine at Fort Kent
Political experience: Six years as House Representative for District 1, current chair of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife committee, current Labor committee, chair of Committee to Promote and Expand Harness Racing, chair of Henderson Brook Bridge committee, member of Governor’s Task Force for the Sustainability of Forest Products
Family: Married to Lana Pelletier, two sons, Chace and Camden
Why are you running for office? I am running because I have a desire to work for the people of northern Maine. I love this area and I enjoy working for people by being their conduit in Augusta to solve problems and issues.
What is the most concerning issue facing Mainers at this time? How do you propose to fix that? I am interested in providing affordable health care, better paying jobs by stimulating the economy with tax reform, and continuing to protect and make better our outdoor hunting and fishing traditions. I have a record of fighting for this area that I am proud of, and I think that my experience will be critical in the State Senate. I see things that aren’t fair or just should be different and I want to be there to change the issue. I feel that the State Senate will give me an even better opportunity to work for northern Maine and that is why I have stepped up to run for this office.
