Rebecca Pauline Slinger

Independent

Hallowell City Council, Ward 4

Party

Independent

Race

Hallowell City Council, Ward 4

Age

Occupation

French teacher

Bio

During my time in the military, I traveled to different countries and experienced different cultures. I spent 5 of those 6 years on 2 ships and faced challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field

Education

I graduated from Hall-Dale High School in 1999. I enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 2000-2006. I earned my associate’s degree from Coastline Community College in 2006 and graduated magna cum laude from University of Maine at Augusta in 2011. Later, I received my teaching certification in 2023.

Years in Municipality

I have lived in Hallowell for the past 10 years. Before that, I owned a home in Hallowell from 2006- 2009. I graduated from Hall-Dale, as did my mother and my son!

Previous Offices Held

I was a Gaslight Theater board member from 2021 – 2023 and I served as the vice president of Kennebec Valley Roller Derby (KVRD) from 2022 – 2023.

Top Three Priorities

I would like to serve as a voice for my community (I AM a “singer,” after all!). I enjoy talking to people and helping others. I think a lot of people feel disenfranchised and helpless when it comes to politics. I would like to find creative ways to get community members actively involved and feeling like they are truly a part of a community.

Why are you running?

I love Hallowell and I think it’s a great city to call home. But we should always be looking for ways to improve. I want to do my part to make it a better place for everyone!

What is the biggest challenge facing your town/county? The biggest opportunity?

I think social media and upper-level politics have divided us so much. With how small Hallowell is, I think we have an amazing opportunity to really encourage community involvement and engagement and yes, even friendship. I’m for longer tables, not taller fences.

If you could change one thing about how the town/county functions, what would it be and why?

I would love to see more opportunities for community members to interact with each other. We have contra dances and Rock on the River, and these are both great examples of what I’m talking about. I would promote these types of regular events for community members to meet regularly, find common ground, and truly enjoy the city we call home.

Do you support more development – i.e. more housing construction and business building in your town/county? Why or why not?

I support better, safer and more affordable community housing. Many of the homes in Hallowell are very old and the rent prices are often more than the working people who keep this city going can afford. I support small, locally owned businesses. Our city has a certain charm that it is our responsibility to protect.