Newcomer Pauline Wilcox, the Republican candidate, is taking on incumbent state Rep Kimberly J. Monaghan-Derrig, a Democrat, for the House District 30 seat, which covers part of Cape Elizabeth.

The Current asked each candidate one question to help voters decide whom to support at the polls.

Kimberly J. Monaghan-Derrig

Age: 55

Address: Russet Lane, Cape Elizabeth

Occupation: Marketing professional and adjunct professor in the Tourism & Hospitality Program at the University of Southern Maine

Political experience: Two terms as a state representative, serving on the Judiciary and the Maine Workforce & Economic Future committees; Cape Elizabeth School Board; staff manager for former Congressman Tom Andrews; and staff aide to the Maine Senate

Q: How do you plan to make a difference for your communities if elected to the Legislature?

A: I am seeking reelection because I want to continue to make a progressive difference for Cape Elizabeth and for Maine. Maine must move forward and if reelected, I will continue to work with my fellow lawmakers to improve our economy, create jobs, strengthen public education, protect our environment and provide affordable housing and healthcare to all Mainers – young and old.

The state must also restore Cape’s revenue sharing to its original (or close to) amount. In past sessions, I supported a responsible bipartisan state budget that restored the bulk of revenue sharing after the governor proposed its elimination. This past year, I worked to protect $40 million in revenue sharing so communities can provide vital services while keeping property taxes in check.

A strong public education system is important to Cape Elizabeth and should be on the front burner for the 127th Legislature. As a state, it is our responsibility to provide the best possible public education for every Maine student.

As a member of the Maine Workforce and Economic Future Committee, we worked hard to develop measures to invest in the workforce so Mainers have the skills needed to compete in today’s economy. And, this past year, we passed bonds to boost job creation by small businesses and build on Maine’s competitive advantages in areas such as the marine economy, biotech, manufacturing and precision medicine.

Much of this investment starts in our schools, and I was eager to assist in recruiting companies and associations representing Maine’s manufacturing sector to participate in this year’s very successful STEM Career Fairs at Cape middle and high schools.

Helping Cape’s elderly is also important to our community. Many of our seniors find it difficult to manage housing costs, property taxes and energy bills on fixed incomes.

At the same time, it is not possible for older Mainers to receive the in-home support and other resources to remain independent. The 127th Legislature will present legislation aimed at helping older Mainers with property tax relief, along with investing in home-care options and increasing access to affordable housing.

Protecting Cape’s environment – our water, land, wildlife and access to open space, including beaches – must continue, and I have always supported these efforts on a state and local level.

In summary, I believe the best way to improve the economy is by making common sense investments in job training, tax fairness, public education, the environment and keeping Mainers secure, stable and healthy.

Pauline ‘Polly’ Wilcox

Age: 63

Address: 17 Cape Woods Drive, Cape

Occupation: Comfort Keepers, offering in-home senior care and oncology social worker

Political experience: Member of the Cape Elizabeth Republican Town Committee and volunteer with numerous local and national campaigns

Q: How do you plan to make a difference for your communities if elected to the Legislature?

A: My life experiences and political perspective are somewhat unusual for a political candidate. I have a master’s in social work and have worked on numerous campaigns for Republican candidates.

If you check out my new campaign page on Facebook, you’ll see that I am willing to learn and want to understand how best to address the concerns of Cape Elizabeth residents.

I know our local schools are great, but we must sustain them. Our elderly need to maintain their lifestyle with dignity, including those veterans living amongst us. Our Maine tradition of caring for those who are struggling must also continue, but if we don’t make careful use of our resources, the safety net won’t be there for any of us.

The business climate in Maine is improving, but when will Maine-educated children be able to return to Maine for their employment, given the obstacles Maine businesses continue to face?

This is a campaign about issues and ways to solve problems for Cape Elizabeth residents. I am a social worker who has worked in many different environments, including the Department of Health and Human Services, at teaching hospitals, at a psychiatric hospital for children and now providing in-home senior care. I have also worked at for-profit businesses, including L.L. Bean and have lived abroad, in Taiwan.

A competent social worker and customer service representative looks at the big picture before making observations and recommendations. I would like to look at the concerns of Capers from all perspectives and with all sides before developing better, compassionate and cost-considerate solutions.

As a trained social worker, parent, spouse and lover of the Maine outdoors, I can look at the big picture of today’s concerns and those facing Cape Elizabeth in the future.