An incumbent state representative is running for reelection against a former legislator in House District 136, which includes Alfred and parts of Lyman and Waterboro.

Rep. Heidi Sampson, a Republican from Alfred, is facing former Rep. Joseph Wagner, a Democrat from Lyman.

Sampson did not respond to requests for information about her candidacy.

Here is a look at Wagner’s priorities and positions on some key issues.

Q: What are your three top priorities and why?

1) I bring a pragmatic approach to policy making. The current hyperpolarized political atmosphere turns people off and that erodes participation which weakens democracy. I seek bipartisan problem-solving and the restoration of balance, reason and civility to civil discourse.

2) Representation involves assisting constituents in navigating the maze of governmental agencies. This will again be a principal aspect of my service in the Legislature.

3) I previously served on the Utilities and Energy Committee. I will once again work toward the incremental transition to renewable sources of energy and the stabilization of consumer costs.

Q: What are your biggest concerns about the economy right now and what should the Legislature do to address them?

The prevalence of Now Hiring signs is indicative of one of Maine’s greatest challenges: Labor. Demographically, Maine has an older population with more folks reaching retirement. We continue to deal with COVID as employers have to adjust work schedules as employees deal with illness. To address labor shortages there must be encouragement for young people to migrate to this state and partake in the invigorating lifestyle that our environment provides. Young folks growing up in Maine should be encouraged to consider entering the trade programs provided at the high school and community college levels. Labor shortages are also impacted by the availability of childcare, healthcare and affordable housing.

The traditional drivers of the Maine economy, farming, forestry and the livelihoods of those who work on the water, must remain sustainable. At the same time, the elements of the modern economy, technology and research and development must also be promoted.

Q: Do you support changing Maine’s abortion law to make it more or less restrictive and how?

Reproductive rights must be safeguarded. If that requires amending the state constitution to do so, to make a direct connection with the existing equal protection clause of the state constitution, I will be in full support.

Q: Do you believe President Biden won the 2020 election fairly?

Joe Biden is the duly elected president of the United States. To suggest otherwise is to promote a delusion aimed at undermining faith not only in election integrity but also in our system of democracy itself.

AT A GLANCE

City/Town: Lyman

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Retired; secondary school teacher for 38 years at Cony, Massabesic, McAuley, Cape Elizabeth; Adjunct professor at UNE, St. Joseph College, CMCC, SMCC

Education: University of Southern California, master’s in public administration; Catholic University, bachelor’s degree in politics; Saint Joseph Regional High School, Montvale, New Jersey

Civic/Political Experience: Currently on the Lyman Planning Board; Maine House of Representatives (2008-2010); federal Department of Health and Human Services, audit liaison with grantees; financial manager for a Head Start program that served the children of migrant farmworkers

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