LEWISTON – John G. Babine Sr., a small independent contractor for 30 years, is seeking election to the District 71 seat in the House of Representative.

Babine, a Republican, will challenge state Rep. Elaine Makas, D-Lewiston, in November.

“I feel that I am at a place where if given the opportunity I could contribute to my community and state,” Babine said in a prepared statement. “The fact that Maine has one of the highest tax burdens, the costliest health care, our young people are fleeing our state at a rate of 400 percent above the national average, and that our elderly have the extra burden of whether they will be taxed from their homes, I think it is time for change; not party, not agenda, but putting Maine people first.”

He resides on Old Webster Road with his wife, Brigite, and their cat. An outdoorsman, Babine enjoys biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, boating and camping. He is the music director at his local church and he has three children and three grandchildren.

Contact him at 782-6163 or via e-mail: [email protected].