Legislator faces challenge for House seat in Gorham

An incumbent state representative is facing a challenger for his seat in House District 109, which includes parts of Gorham.

James Boyle

Rep. James Boyle, a Democrat, is running against Joseph Velozo, a Republican.

Velozo did not respond to requests for information about his candidacy.

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

Q: What are your top priorities and why?

The economy and climate change are the biggest issues I hear about from constituents, and they are my top priorities. As a business owner, I understand what the state can – and can’t – do to help people create jobs and grow their businesses. We need more renewable energy and less fossil fuel.

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

As a small-business owner, homeowner, grandparent and senior citizen, I can relate to the rising costs of property taxes, prescriptions, heating oil, food, electricity, gasoline and more. It’s important that state government keep an eye on the bottom line, like every business I’ve run. I will focus on combating increases in property taxes, prescription drugs, childcare and other basics like gasoline, heating oil and groceries.

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

I do not support changes to Maine’s abortion law.

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

Yes.

AT A GLANCE

City/Town: Gorham

Party: Democrat

Occupation: I’ve spent my career owning small businesses that protect the environment. I started out as a forester before starting my first environmental consulting company in 1996. Today, I own and operate Environmental Permitting and Inspection, LLC.

Education: B.S. Forest Management, University of Maine, 1981

Civic/Political Experience: I have served as the Senate chair of the Environment and Natural Resource Committee and as a member of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. In a January 2022 special election, voters elected me to serve in the Maine House, where I’m a member of the Environment and Natural Resource Committee. I am a former board member with the Efficiency Maine Trust and have served on the board of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust, and as president of the Maine Association of Wetland Scientists.