Name:

Fran Head

Email address

franmillshead@gmail.com

Party affiliation

Republican

Legislative chamber

Maine House

Legislative district

117

Occupation or primary source of income

Realtor?

Community organizations

Member, Bethel Town Budget Committee; director, Oxford County Soil and Water District; president, Bethel Seniors Group; founder, Crescent Park Reading Program; Bethel Comprehensive Planning Committee; Seniors Plus Advisory Board. Additional: School Board in Gilead; selectboard; Project Graduation; Oxford County Budget Committee

Personal information (hobbies, activities etc.)

Reading, cooking, spending time with family.

Family status

Married

Years in Legislature

0

Are you a Clean Election candidate?

No

Committee assignments you want

Education and Cultural Affairs; Health and Human Services.

Would you support expanding the state’s Medicaid program, MaineCare? Why or why not?

Medicaid expansion make sense for Maine citizens, as well as our health care organizations. The path has already been set at the federal level, and we have a responsibility to consider the needs of our neighbors most in need. I support expansion contingent on including managed care for future legislation.

Should Maine follow the city of Portland’s lead and legalize the possession of limited amounts of marijuana for adults over the age of 21? Why or why not?

I believe that more research has to be done in order to fully understand the impact of legalization. There is a trend toward legalizing possession of small quantities of marijuana, and I will support a statewide policy addressing the matter with an emphasis on health and safety.

Should the state of Maine continue to provide incentives for businesses and homeowners to convert or diversify energy sources to those considered renewable, like solar, wind and geothermal?

Yes. I believe in an “all of the above approach” to becoming energy independent. Our environment provides countless opportunities for innovation. Elected officials have an obligation to encourage more research and economic growth, specifically for renewable energy sources.

Maine’s minimum wage is $7.50 an hour. As a state lawmaker would you support increasing that minimum wage? If so, what should Maine’s minimum wage be?

Many employers believe that paying mandated hourly wages above $10 would bankrupt businesses. A tiered system, dependent on the workplace, may be the solution. We should shift the focus on to career training, development and economic growth, all of which can be done without costly new burdens on local businesses.

What issue is the most important to voters in your legislative district?

Jobs and the economy. I will fight every day to create polices which will grow our economy. We have some tough challenges ahead economically, but I refuse to accept the “tax and spend” model for running up our debt and placing it on our children’s shoulders.

What about you makes you the man or woman for the job?

My real-world experience and accomplished record of public service will allow me to effectively work for the everyday Mainer. Owning a business, as well as my local roots here in Maine, has given me the perspective necessary to truly represent our part of Maine.

Describe yourself in a “Tweet”

Fran Head: A local leader you can trust. Businesswoman, town official and advocate. Experience Matters. #GottaVote4Fran

Name:

Callie Pecunies

Email address

callie.pecunies@gmail.com

Party affiliation

Democrat

Legislative chamber

Maine House

Legislative district

117

Occupation or primary source of income

Real Estate Broker

Community organizations

Mahoosuc Kids Association; Bethel Food Pantry; Mahoosuc Pathways; Crescent Park School PTA

Personal information (hobbies, activities etc.)

I am an avid runner, mountain biker and fisherman. My husband, kids and I spend lots of time enjoying the outdoors camping, fishing and hiking, and they also join me in volunteering for the local food pantry, trails organization and other causes.

Family status

Married

Years in Legislature

0

Are you a Clean Election candidate?

Yes

Committee assignments you want

Education and Cultural Affairs; Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; Environment and Natural Resources.

Would you support expanding the state’s Medicaid program, MaineCare? Why or why not?

Yes, I support it. All individuals deserve the right to access affordable health care. No one should worry about making a health care decision for themselves or a loved one for fear of the cost. Our health care system should not be a for-profit enterprise.

Should Maine follow the city of Portland’s lead and legalize the possession of limited amounts of marijuana for adults over the age of 21? Why or why not?

I do not oppose legalizing marijuana if we have a fully developed method of testing those suspected of being under the influence.

Should the state of Maine continue to provide incentives for businesses and homeowners to convert or diversify energy sources to those considered renewable, like solar, wind and geothermal?

Alternative energy sources are still very costly, so yes, Maine should continue to promote conversion to alternative energy sources by offering incentives so more people can take advantage of them, and we can further reduce our dependence on oil.

Maine’s minimum wage is $7.50 an hour. As a state lawmaker would you support increasing that minimum wage? If so, what should Maine’s minimum wage be?

I support increasing the minimum wage, but I have concerns about the effect on small businesses. There are many of them within this district that contribute substantially to our thriving downtowns. Changes need to be done in such a way that they are not unduly burdened.

What issue is the most important to voters in your legislative district?

Voters in my district are concerned with the quality of K-12 education, support for seniors (prescription drug costs, property taxes) and Question 1 (bear referendum). Bear hunting is vital to Western Maine, both culturally and economically. Voters know that voting “No” on Question 1 is a better choice for Maine.

What about you makes you the man or woman for the job?

My intentions are true to who I say I am. I want to affect positive change within my district — for our families, for our retirees, for our unemployed, for our natural resources. I will use my energy and drive to work with both sides for positive change.

Describe yourself in a “Tweet”

I am an energetic individual not afraid to negotiate as long as the end result will have a positive impact on the greatest number of people.

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