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| Contributed photo Gail Maynard is running to represent District Three in the Maine House of Representatives. |
By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
WOODLAND — Whether she’s better known for her leadership at the New Sweden and Stockholm schools or for the famed organic Highland beef she and her husband Stan raise at their Woodland farm, her notoriety will take on a new facet as Gail Maynard has entered her first foray in political candidacy, running for the Maine State House of Representatives to represent District Three.
A Democrat, she’s thrown her proverbial hat into the political ring and doing so wasn’t a hard as she’s always been interested in politics and government; she’s even already known in Augusta for her heartfelt passion to help make The County’s voice heard.
“The areas that I’m really most passionate about are agriculture, health care and education, and all of those things are connected to the economy,” Maynard explained. Last year she testified at a couple of hearings, one on the single payer health care issue and the other regarding issues affecting Maine loggers.
A life-long educator, school administrator and farmer, it’s easy to see Maynard’s seemingly inherent passion for education and agriculture, and last year’s health care reform debate added another facet of passion to her repertoire.
“I became really interested in health care last year when they passed the Healthcare Reform Bill in Maine; and basically, in my opinion, it threw the elderly, sick and disabled people of Aroostook County right under the bus,” she described.
Helping people inspired Maynard to enter politics, and helping people has been a prominent theme throughout her life. She’s even traveled the world to educate youths in places of oppression, poverty and strife, taking 12 years with to teach and administer schools in Algeria, Iran and Saudi Arabia with her husband.
“I love living her and the people who live here, and those people have many needs,” Maynard explained. “They need someone to speak for them and I think that, lots of times, Aroostook County isn’t listened to very much,” she continued, citing school consolidation and health care reform as examples of legislation that haven’t had Aroostook’s best interest at heart.
“I’m a fierce fan of Aroostook County, and I think I have some strengths, skills and experiences that would be helpful [as legislator for District Three],” Maynard said.
Deeply concerned with the economy, Maynard is focused on finding a way for people living in The County to earn a living wage and obtain a good education.
Effect leadership for her district entails much more then hometown pride, and Maynard is ready to work with other delegates in the best interests of Aroostook County and Maine.
“I know I can’t solve all the problems and I know I can’t do it alone, but I’m ready and willing to have conversations, listen to people and be there voice if they can’t be there,” Maynard explained.
As any student sent to the former principal’s office would attest, Maynard is highly skilled at being understanding and fair, yet firm while collaborating to form solutions.
“I think people can really make a difference,” she said. “I would like [those living in District Three] to know that I’m willing to listen and be their voice on whatever concerns they have.
“I know I’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of me, and I know my opponent is a very nice gentleman, but I’m running for what I believe I can do, and I think that will be all right,” Maynard said.
For more information about Maynard or additional questions, she can be reached by calling 498-8541 or by e-mailing orchhill@ainop.com.
District Three encompasses the towns of Limestone, Van Buren, Connor, Grand Isle, Cyr Plantation, New Sweden, Caswell, Hamlin and Woodland.
