Name:

Ellie Espling

Email address

espling2@securespeed.us

Party affiliation

Republican

Legislative chamber

Maine House

Legislative district

65

Occupation or primary source of income

Sales and marketing associate for The Print House

Community organizations

North Deering Alliance Church; Trustee SEEDS Homeschool Group, Steering Committee member; New Gloucester Public Safety Committee; SHE Leads Republican Women’s Initiative; Co-Chair Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, member; Portland American Legion Auxiliary, member

Personal information (hobbies, activities etc.)

I enjoy watching my children participate in various activities. I also enjoy going to the gym and reading.

Family status

Married with four children

Years in Legislature

4

Are you a Clean Election candidate?

No

Committee assignments you want

Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

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

I did not support expanding Medicaid in the past legislative session. I do not believe Maine should expand Medicaid because Maine simply cannot afford it.

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 support our current medical marijuana law. As parents, my husband and I teach our teenagers about the pitfalls of recreational drug use. I would find it difficult to vote in favor of legalizing a drug while also advising our youth of the problems associated with taking drugs.

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?

I support Mainers having options to diversify their energy needs as much as possible.

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 do not support increasing the minimum wage at this time.

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

My job as a representative is to represent everyone and their diverse concerns. A concern that has a potential negative impact to this district is the possible removal of the Shaker Village signs. I have been, and will continue, to fight for this policy to be changed.

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

I am a good listener and, as a member of my community, I am genuinely invested in working together to make it a better place for the people I share it with.

Describe yourself in a “Tweet”

Believing in a Better Maine and Being a Part of the Solution.

Name:

Rosa Van Wie

Email address

rosa4rep105@gmail.com

Party affiliation

Democrat

Legislative chamber

Maine House

Legislative district

65

Occupation or primary source of income

Substitute teacher

Community organizations

New Gloucester Congregational Church, Port Veritas Performer/event staff, The Pineland Y, New Gloucester Dems

Personal information (hobbies, activities etc.)

Slam poetry, vocal music (practice and performance), ice hockey (indoor and outdoor), teaching, politics and civic engagement

Family status

Unmarried

Years in Legislature

0

Are you a Clean Election candidate?

Yes

Committee assignments you want

Education and Cultural Affairs; Health and Human Services; Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development; Environment and Natural Rescources.

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

Yes. I would support expanding MaineCare, Maine’s Medicaid program. Our federal tax dollars should be put to work taking care of our neighbors here at home, and expanding Medicaid to help 70,000 more families avoid bankruptcy in the face of a medical emergency is the best way to do that.

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?

Yes. The legalization of marijuana for adults over the age of 21 should become statewide in Maine. Creating a cohesive law rather than ad hoc ordinances will allow for easier implementation, the potential for a new source of tax revenue, and a hemp market as an alternate energy source.

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?

Absolutely. Maine has an abundance of wildlife, as well as thriving natural ecosystems, that we have worked hard to preserve and protect over the years. Leading the nation in combating climate change by decreasing our reliance on fossil fuels is essential to maintaining the natural balance of our state.

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?

Yes. I would support increasing the minimum wage. The minimum wage should be increased to at least $10.10 an hour, with another increase guaranteed within the next five years, if not sooner.

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

The most important issue to voters in New Gloucester and part of Poland is an increase in economic development. The people in my town want to be able to afford to save for retirement, maintain their homes, and feel secure about the future for their children.

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

My constituents’ concerns are my concerns. I want a functional government that looks out for Mainers, an economy with jobs that pay enough to stay in the state, and affordable and effective higher education. I have the youthful energy, intellect, and drive needed to create viable solutions for these issues.

Describe yourself in a “Tweet”

An educated and optimistic artist attempting to learn all of life lessons and teach others how to work together to guarantee good lives.