David Ray

Democrat

Maine House District 40

Democrat

Previous Offices Held


Lincolnville Selectboard 2020-2026 — won, 6 years; Maine House 2024 — won, 2 years

Top Three Priorities


Sustainable funding of Maine's Highway Fund; Rural and island transportation; statewide firewood banks expansion and support

Why are you running?


I'm running now to continue the work that was begun in the 132nd legislative session. This involves, in part, continued full funding for education, property tax relief, sustainable and sensible transportation funding, fuel affordability and security.

What is one way Maine is on the right track? What is one way the state is on the wrong track?


The right track: Maine has had, for the last ten years or so, the benefit of inmigration outpacing people leaving the state and workforce. It's made reasonable efforts to secure and build the economic engines needed to exploit this trend. The wrong track: While "reasonable," efforts at workforce development need to be expanded and hurried, this isn't always the case.

As one of several dozen legislators in your chamber, how would you make a measurable difference for your constituents?


I'd work WITH these dozens (on either "side" of the aisle) on legislation and policy that will show results that will benefit the lives of Mainers. At the same time, I respect the process of Maine's state governance, and acknowledge the on-the-ground competence and commitment of committee members in their areas of expertise.

Surveys show the economy is the top concern of voters. What is a specific proposal addressing Maine voters’ economic anxieties that you’d work to make law?


Since transportation costs are the second most costly line item in the average family's budget here, I intend to focus on reducing the costs of getting from A to B. Reducing the simple cost of getting about, and finding areas where these similar costs can be reduced, will relieve some of the financial stress on Maine families.