Name: Roger Leigh Sherman
Hometown: Hodgdon
Political Party: Republican
What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned? Maine House of Representatives for eight years, Maine State Senate for six years, NEA Director for three years, MEA Board of Directors for eight years and member of the Hodgdon Senior Housing Committee.
What is your career background? Education: BS from Ricker College, MS from University of New Hampshire and JD from University of Maine Law School. Practiced law in southern Maine, raised beef cattle for several years, farmed (potatoes and grains) with father for 20 years and taught school for 30 years.
What made you decide to run for this office? In the beginning, I was recruited by a local legislator who thought I had experience and a background that would lend itself to be a contributing member of Legislature. I am seeking re-election to center on supporting measures for economic growth/job growth for Aroostook County, consolidate state agencies to achieve common sense efficiencies and continuing to advocate for a government that is responsive to its citizens. There continues to be a list of problems that need to be solved and the time and opportunity may be brief. My experience as teacher, farmer and a state legislator gives me skill, knowledge and experience to be a leader of the change coming to state government.
What do you see as the most important issue facing Aroostook County? The most important issues facing Aroostook County are the creation of jobs by utilizing our natural resources, farmland, water resources, woods and innovative/creative work force. In addition, an educated work force with creative and innovative skills and availability of financial resources.
What do you see as your primary goal, if elected? Do whatever it takes to create jobs. Look at all the rules and regulations that would hinder creating job growth.
Name: Daniel A. Levesque
Hometown: Ashland
Age: 53
Political Party: Democrat
What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned? Served on the Ashland Town Council, former president of the Ashland Snowmobile Club and on the Board of Directors of the Portage Hills Country Club.
What is your career background? Employed in the timber industry for 35 years and former owner/operator of two businesses in Presque Isle.
What made you decide to run for this office? I’m running for the Senate to fight for the average, working, middle-class families and small businesses of District 34. Now more than ever, we must work to protect and preserve Maine jobs.
What do you see as the most important issue facing Aroostook County? There are several important issues facing Aroostook County. Most importantly, I think we need to help the local economy by keeping jobs in Maine. We also need to fight for affordable health care coverage for Maine’s working class and small businesses and provide proper funding for Maine schools including trade schools.
What do you see as your primary goal, if elected? My primary goal as Senator will be to protect our jobs from being shipped across the border. After spending my career in the timber industry, I understand what it takes to create jobs and run a business. I’ll use by business experience in the Senate to create incentives for job creation and work to pass laws that protect our jobs from being outsourced to Canadian mills.
