SANFORD – Voters returned incumbent Republican Matthew Harrington to House District 19, part of Sanford, on Tuesday. Harrington earned 1,875 votes over his opponent, Democrat Jeremy Mele, who earned 1.470 votes.

Harrington, 31, a Springvale resident who is a police officer in neighboring Kennebunk,  cites his three years in the Legislature as a bonus when it comes to getting things done in Augusta.

“I have a track record of supporting policies that grow and strengthen our economy,’ said Harrington. “Three years of legislative experience has allowed me to develop the relationships with other legislators and members of the executive branch necessary to push reforms that will benefit the people of House District 19 in Sanford.”

Harrington said he supports competition among health insurance providers, buying insurance across state lines, and allowing individuals to gather together in larger groups for a better price.

“We need to work with the federal government to obtain as much flexibility as we can under the ACA to ensure individuals have the freedom they need to purchase individualized health insurance, while protecting the level of care,” said Harrington. “We also need to address the underlying cost of healthcare, beyond the price of insurance premiums. The cost of delivering services is high, which in turn increases insurance premiums for Maine families and our small businesses.”

And to lure better jobs and businesses to Maine?
“We need to continue to reduce taxes, reduce healthcare costs, reduce electricity prices, and continue to repeal job-killing red tape,” said Harrington. “We also need to look at creative ways to attract and retain students such as student loan forgiveness, tuition reimbursement, and low-interest loans for higher education. Lastly, we need to reform our vocational school system and educate educators, guidance counselors, and parents on the high-paying career opportunities that are already available in the trades.”

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 780-9016 or twells@journaltribune.com.