KENNEBUNK — As election day draws nearer, local legislative races are beginning to heat up.

In House District 8, which includes part of Kennebunk, incumbent Democrat Chris Babbidge, a former educator, faces off against Republican Bradley “Scott” Ducharme, a resort owner and certified engineer.

Babbidge, 67, is a native Mainer who is married with three grown daughters and six grandchildren. He holds a bachelor of arts in history, and is a 39-year veteran of the educational system, having taught Kennebunk students for 31 of those years. He is a past president of the Teachers’ Association, and president and chief negotiator of the Maine Council for the Social Studies.

Babbidge is in his 36th year as State YMCA advisor to the Youth in Government Model Legislature program, and previously taught the Muskie Summer Scholars Program at Bates College for 17 years.

In 2004, Babbidge was the first Democrat to be elected to the state Legislature from Kennebunk since 1910, serving until 2008 and then again from 2014 until present. He has also served on the town’s Comprehensive Plan Committee and Charter Commission.

Babbidge said he is motivated to remain an incumbent to “protect the state we love, to promote opportunity, and to help all Mainers by providing tools to help them navigate the burdens that challenge us in life.”

Ducharme, 61, was born and raised on Drakes Island in Wells, and became a Kennebunk resident in 1981. He is married with four children, five grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

Ducharme bears a bachelor of science in marine engineering from Maine Maritime Academy, and holds a license as a U.S. Coast Guard chief engineer. He works as an engineer and, with his wife, manages the seasonal, cottage-style Shorelands Guest Resort in Kennebunk.

Although Ducharme has no past political experience, he says he is known as a “worker among workers,” and will find the right solutions to get the job done.

Ducharme’s primary concerns relate to small businesses, the elderly and assistance programs.

He believes Maine should eliminate taxes on the elderly and reform its welfare program so that funds go to the neediest. He would also like to address the state’s ongoing opioid problem to see more longterm treatment options available for those who struggle with substance abuse.

Ducharme wants to keep young people in Maine, and he sees increased investment in education as the way to do so.

“Education is a key part in moving Maine forward, and this entails rebuilding our universities to attract the best students and keep them in Maine with good jobs,” he said.

Education, the elderly and the economy are also among Babbidge’s top priorities.

“We must promote a vibrant economy that invests in people, innovation, small business and good-paying jobs to keep our talented young people in Maine,” Babbidge said. “And, in this challenging moment of political history, we must treat all of us as equals and respect the civil rights of all Maine residents.”

Babbidge would also like to see support for the state’s aging population, promoting programs for them to remain active citizens.

He listed the environment as one of his top priorities, calling for increased investment into alternative energy sources, including solar, and promoting a long-term energy plan for the state.

“I want to protect our environment, from mountain air to the waters of the Gulf of Maine, because Maine’s natural beauty is our priceless asset and biggest attraction,” he said.

Babbidge said he cannot select just one top priority if elected for a second consecutive term, but said he’s “very concerned” about the rapid increase of those turning 65 and older, the exodus of young people from the state and stagnant in-migration of new residents.

Because of those factors, Babbidge said he wants to expand senior programs and housing to encourage the best quality of life possible for those who comprise the majority of the state.

“Helping seniors to extend their active lives as contributors to community through improved health and safety, and planning of sufficient transportation and efficient housing,” he said, “will not only enhance the quality of their lives, but the continued utilization of their accumulated knowledge and skills … (and) will be instrumental in meeting what is sure to be a progressively greater economic and social need in our state.”

Ducharme said his top priority if elected would be to lower taxes to foster job growth and bolster employment to keep young adults in the state.

Ducharme said he’s hoping his experience as a world-traveling chief engineer and career as a businessman will help elect him into office.

“I am willing to bridge the gap between the parties to draft and pass the legislation necessary to help Maine’s economy and families,” he said.

Babbidge is hoping for re-election based on his record in public office and dedication to public service.

“My dedication stems from a youthful idealism that I still have, believing we can, and must, work to improve the lives of all,” he said. “My love of Kennebunk and Maine motivates me in difficult moments to continue the quest to get things done. And that’s not difficult, because the quality of people’s lives (is) in the balance.”

— Staff Writer Alan Bennett can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 329 or abennett@journaltribune.com.