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OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Lori Gramlich and Jay Kelley will square off in the State House District 13 Democratic primary on June 12.
The winner of the June 12 primary will run against Republican Sharri MacDonald in November.
The House District 13 seat, which covers Old Orchard Beach, is being vacated by Democrat George Hogan.
Gramlich, 55,  is married with one child and owns a small seasonal business with her husband. She is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Southern Maine Social Work Department and is presently executive director of the National Association of Social Workers Maine Chapter.

Gramlich has worked at the Maine Department of Health Human Services, served as communications director for Senate President Beverly Daggett in the Maine Legislature, and has served on the Portland School Committee. She is a graduate of Emerge Maine, a training program for Democratic women.

Gramlich said as a social worker, she understands the need to engage together as a community to affect change, and if elected will use her skills and expertise to be an effective voice for the community.
“Throughout my career, I have always advocated for the rights of workers, for children, for our seniors and for those who need to have their voices heard. Growing up in a single parent household, we relied on public assistance and were presented with many challenges. I knew that I couldn’t change my situation as a child, but I could, as an adult, be in a position to affect change on behalf of others,” said Gramlich.
She said if elected, she will also be committed to the success of small businesses in town.
Kelley, 65, is married  with two grown sons. He is a retired firefighter for the city of Portland. He is currently an Old Orchard Beach town councilor, a position he’s held for six years.
Kelley said he is running for the position of state representative because he wants to make sure the town of Old Orchard Beach is well represented in Augusta and the rest of the state understands the issues and concerns that a beach resort town faces.
Among the top issues the state is currently facing, Kelley said,  are funding education at the level that is required by the state and expanding health care for all, particularly the elderly and children. He said the opioid crisis in the state is also a serious issue, and the state needs to work toward increased education, drug treatment and enforcement.
“I believe that I am the best candidate to represent the town of Old Orchard Beach because I understand and truly care about what goes on in our town and the state,” said Kelley. “I believe that the six years I have served, and continue to serve, on the Town Council, has prepared me for the challenges of all areas of municipal government, and how to work cohesively as a team with my fellow councilors.”
The polls are open at Old Orchard Beach High School from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 12.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.

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