Address: 9 Winter St., Auburn

Age: 66

Personal: Single, two sons, two grandsons

Occupation: Part-time at Bernard’s School of Hair Fashion, Lewiston. Served in the Air Force, 1957-61.

Education: Graduated from Lewiston High School in 1957.

Experience: At Bernard’s School, conducts admissions interviews, processes federal financial aid application forms for students, responsible for student records and school reports.

Why are you seeking a one-year Auburn School Committee term?

I have been attending all of the Budget Advisory Committee meetings since its inception. Although not a member, I really got interested in it and discovered how high the school budget was. I conducted a research of different school districts in the state and found it could be reduced without having to dismiss any teachers.

If elected, how would you balance the education needs of our community and keep property taxes down?

I will try to review all facets of the school department, check on the effectiveness of all programs. Teachers should be there to educate students by motivating them and to help them, create a desire to learn. I would like to see more of our students excel and go forward toward higher education.

Rate the incumbent (or yourself):

I believe that I will be willing to listen, learn, then evaluate. At the same time I strongly believe that there are too many administrators. The cost of education needs to come in line with other communities. The Brookings Report is saying that all of the education system is broken down. I want to try to create a new approach. If we all work together in a more productive way we can accomplish more.

Bonnie J. Hayes

Address: 172 Allen Ave., Auburn.

Age: 58

Personal: 58, married to Robert Hayes; 2 grown children, 2 grandchildren

Occupation: North East Insurance, production underwriter, marketing

Education: University of Maine at Orono graduate, bachelor of science in education

Experience: Four terms on Auburn School Committee, including serving as chair; YMCA Board of Directors, Community Little Theater Board of Directors.



Why are you seeking a one-year Auburn School Committee term?

Because I believe the children of Auburn are the future leaders of our city, state and country. The children need the best and the safest education we can provide them as taxpayers. However, our taxes need to be at a reasonable cost to all home owners and business owners. I have the experience and ability of building a budget with school officials while being fiscally responsible to the citizens of Auburn. We need to be innovative when educating our children and innovative on how we pay for their education.

If elected, how would you balance the education needs of our community and keep property taxes down?

Balancing the education needs of our youth and the ability of the taxpayers to provide the funds needed is very tenuous. My husband, Bob, and I are homeowners and small business owners in Auburn and are very aware of the property taxes. … At all times the School Committee needs to be fiscally responsible. … The city and School Department need to search for ways to provide joint services. We also need as a city to continue to work with the city of Lewiston to find ways to provide joint services.

Rate the incumbent (or yourself):

I have the experience of having worked successfully with school administrators, teachers and property owners. I am a property owner, a business person and a mother who understands the need to be fiscally responsible yet provide the best education to the children of our community.