LEBANON – Republican Theodore Kryzak beat his Democratic challenger Daniel Lauzon for the Maine House District 20 seat in Tuesday’s election.

The vote in the district, which includes Acton, Lebanon and part of Shapleigh, was 2,215 to 1,642.

Kryzak has prior experience in politics. He served one year on the Acton School Board, six years as an Acton selectman and five years as a chairman.

In a pre-election email survey, Kryzak explained the ongoing gun control debate and what should be done about it here in Maine, “We have a long history of responsible gun ownership in Maine and fortunately have had few incidences of school gun violence and mass shootings. We should continue and expand our public education efforts to promote responsible gun ownership, keeping guns and ammunition secure. This public education effort should be like the anti-smoking campaign.”

Kryzak also addressed how returning to the PL90 plan could stop the rising costs of health care in Maine.

“Return to PL90, the plan Maine started before Obamacare was forced on Maine citizens. Small fees paid monthly by people with health insurance to subsidize those who cannot afford basic health insurance. Reduce insurance mandates. Open the borders to purchase health insurance,” said Kryzak. “Do not force people to pay for health insurance they do not need and will never use.”

When it comes to keeping young workers in Maine, Kryzak believes the state should start pushing students to consider trades.

“Increase emphasis on vocational education. Let’s start offering education for jobs that exist in Maine and pay well. Let’s stop pretending we will ever be Silicon Valley and train more electricians, plumbers and loggers. Encourage small business through entrepreneurship,” said Kryzak.

Kryzak believes his experience will help him represent Acton, Lebanon and part of Shapleigh in Augusta.

“(I have) experience in municipal government in a small town (selectman and school board member.) (I have) experience in running two small businesses, Non-Traditional Special Purpose Private School and a 180-acre working farm. (I have) experience in raising four very successful kids to adulthood. (I have) experience as director of Cadet Programs Maine Wing CAP. Cadet Program Officer of the Year for Maine and Northeast Region 2006, Maine Agriculture Teacher of the Year 2010, USDA White/Reinhardt recipient 2010,” said Kryzak.

— Staff Writer Sienna Barstow can be reached at sbarstow@journaltribune.com or at 780-9018.