STATE SENATE DISTRICT 15

Raegan F. LaRochelle

Background

I was born and raised in Augusta, and care deeply about my community and ensuring that the values instilled in me here are represented in the Maine State Senate. Through my work as an economic development consultant, a small business owner, and a State Representative, I have seen firsthand the impact how decisions made at the state level impact us at the local level, and I am committed to making sure that Senate District 15 is a place where working families can live and thrive.

Schools

As a graduate of Cony High School in Augusta, I have felt the enormous benefit of our public education system in this state. That said, there is always room for improvement. For example, I believe we should expand upon access to career and technical education in order to provide pathways to more students that may not fit the traditional four-year degree model, and to make sure that Maine has the industries and sectors it needs to thrive moving forward.

Women’s Healthcare

I believe that decisions about healthcare should be between a person and their doctor, not politicians.

Community Colleges and Universities

I am in favor of expanding access to community college to more Mainers, as it can be an excellent pathway to productive work and further education. I believe strongly that these opportunities are helpful for Maine students and for their economic mobility in the future.

Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development

I am deeply concerned about the loss of college graduates to other states; as an economic development consultant and business owner, I see the importance of ensuring that we retain degree holders in this state. I believe that the root of the solution must lie largely in business development and the expansion of job opportunities; when we provide opportunities for graduates, when we strengthen the partnerships between degree-granting institutions and those institutions and businesses that need those workers, and when we prioritize access to healthcare, housing, and other enhancements to quality of life, we can make this state more attractive for college graduates and their families.

Communication

It’s important to support our small-town and local newspapers. As an individual legislator, I can be a part of this effort by ensuring that I am in strong communication with those newspapers, helping to render them the go-to source of news for legislative updates, and by using my platform to encourage local readership. More broadly, as a legislator, I believe that it’s incumbent upon us to work hard across the aisle to find local solutions to problems. That process should involve local stakeholders and community members, and by itself, that process has the power to set an example for fighting against partisan division in order to solve problems at the local level.

Economy in the State of Maine

I feel that we can always be working harder to expand access to well-paying jobs, which are critical to ensuring economic mobility for Maine families. We also need to encourage small businesses in Maine, which will sustain the jobs that we have and allow Mainers to buy local and support their neighbors. Further, we should protect Maine consumers against price-gouging by large corporations.

Employment

I believe that we should ensure that all workers have access to job training, healthcare, childcare, and housing, which are prerequisites for success in the workforce.

Affordable Housing

It is critical that we expand the availability and accessibility of affordable housing in this state. For example, I would support programs that encourage and incentivize first-time home buyers, as well as programs that make it easier for veterans to get the housing they need.

Mental Health/Substance Use

I believe we should take the action necessary to keep kids and families safe. That includes having prevention, harm reduction and treatment opportunities available to all Mainers. In order to have more and better treatment options, we absolutely must increase the number of mental health professionals in our state.

Closing Question

In addition to ensuring access to healthcare, childcare, educational opportunities, and housing, I believe that fostering recreational and cultural spaces and providing other opportunities to thrive would be a critical part of my role should I be elected. The lakes and other tourist draws not only fuel tourism and sustain jobs, they are treasures for our own community members to enjoy. I would work hard with other local leaders, municipal officials, community members, and stakeholders to submit and advocate for
legislation that protects and expands recreational and cultural spaces, with a focus on my district.

Her opponent, Richard Bradstreet, did not respond to our survey.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 16

Scott Cyrway

Background

I want to continue serving in the Maine Legislature to create a brighter future for our children. Democratic control of Maine over the past forty years has made us the 4th highest taxed state in the nation with the 6th highest electricity costs. Democrat policies are hurting Maine people. The wellbeing of the family, not special interests, needs to take priority in Augusta.

Schools

Public school education in Maine continues to worsen and was recently rated almost dead last in the entire nation! We must get back to the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic, and prioritize the student over protecting the institution. Parents should always have access to school materials and be given a choice on where their child gets educated. We should make sure that all students receive an education that fits their needs.

Women’s Healthcare

The Supreme Court decision overturned “Roe” and now allows the states to decide the issue of abortion, one aspect of reproductive rights. In this area of women’s healthcare I believe in regulation around safety and providing women with all the information they need.

Community Colleges and Universities

Nothing is free. I believe that having some amount of payment be required for education would help students have some skin in the game and do better in school. Some payment would also support the programs, and help the taxpayers who are funding these programs, some of whom never had the opportunity to attend college.

It is essential that we get youth working at a younger age; they need to experience the satisfying feeling of earning a dollar with their own hands and being a useful contributor to their community. With fewer family farms we should make it easier for students to work with existing businesses, to increase mentoring opportunities and to broaden their perspectives. Developing these ties to their community and seeing opportunity in their own backyard will get more of our kids working, and keep them in Maine.

Communication

Reducing conflict is always about connecting with people. People need to talk with one another, neighbor to neighbor, even in difficult situations. This is what I try to do every day.

Economy in the State of Maine

Maine is the fourth highest taxed state in the nation, with the sixth highest cost of electricity. Regular Maine people cannot afford the huge cost of living increases. We must change our energy, education and tax policies so that families, not government programs, can grow and thrive.

The reasons people have stopped working are complex, but childcare costs and an aging population hurt our state. Burdensome regulations have increased costs to small, independent daycare facilities, causing them to close, and dramatically increasing the costs of those that stay open, making access to childcare difficult, especially in rural Maine. Policies passed in Augusta have hurt the quality of education and made childcare scarce. These are key factors facing parents who might otherwise seek to work outside the home.

Affordable Housing

We need to get rid of some of the barriers out there preventing people from building more homes, like the delays in permitting process. We need to significantly increase the number of houses being built, which also requires more people to enter the trades. According to a 2023 study by MaineHousing, Maine needs to build nearly 85,000 homes by 2030 to meet current and future demand.

Everyone understands the basic principles of supply and demand. Increasing the amount of housing will bring down costs. We should not be adding obstacles that get in the way of this aim. Policies in some of our most populated cities, like Portland’s Green New Deal and rent control, have deterred investors from building more housing. Whether high end luxury homes or low-income housing, the more homes that are built, the lower prices will fall.

Mental Health/Substance Use

My heart aches for the friends and families of those lost to drug overdoses. Mental health and substance use disorder are wreaking havoc on our state. It will be one of my top priorities to increase the number of mental health professionals in Maine, particularly in rural areas.

We must explore all avenues to increase the number of these professionals. Whether through raising reimbursement rates, expediting regulatory approvals, and increasing telehealth options, I am open to all solutions.

I know that there are professionals willing and able to provide these needed services in Maine but unable to do so because they cannot afford to offer services for such low or delayed reimbursements. Additionally, there are agencies eager to provide the needed services that must wait more than 12 months for approval before they can open. With such delays, these facilities, and the Mainers they would care for, are certain to lose the professionals needed.

Closing Question

We live in a beautiful part of a beautiful state. I want to work to make it easier for people to stay here and raise their families.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 16

Nathaniel White

Background

I’m running for Maine State Senate because I believe my diverse experiences in education, healthcare, and public service have uniquely prepared me to advocate for the needs of our community. As a teacher, I see firsthand the challenges our schools face and the importance of investing in our students’ futures. My time as a healthcare administrator and EMT has shown me the critical need for better staffing and safer working conditions in our hospitals. Additionally, as someone who has struggled in this recent economy. I’m committed to addressing the financial burdens that weigh heavily on many Mainers.

I want to bring my passion for service and my firsthand understanding of these issues to the state level, working to create policies that truly make a difference for the people of District 16. This campaign is about fighting for better education, stronger healthcare, and a fairer economy—because I know we can do better, and I’m ready to make that happen.

Born and raised in Waterville, where I graduated from Waterville High School in 2004 and attended Thomas College for my bachelor’s and two master’s degrees, I have lived in this area my entire life. My two master’s degrees are a masters in business administration Healthcare Management and a masters of science in Educational Leadership, which have equipped me with a strong focus on public service and addressing healthcare staffing issues. My extensive experience in public service, including my current roles as a middle school teacher and firefighter/EMT, drives my passion for effective policymaking. With my expertise and dedication, I aim to make a positive impact in areas such as education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.

Schools

Maine’s secondary and primary education systems have made strides, but there is more to be done. I believe in focusing on equitable funding, enhancing curriculum standards, and providing better support for teachers and staff. Paying teachers and support staff more is crucial as our children deserve the best education possible. I would advocate for increased funding for schools, improved professional development for educators, and policies that address the needs of all students, including those with special needs.

Women’s Healthcare

I believe reproductive rights should be determined by women, their families, and their healthcare providers, not politicians. It’s essential to protect individual freedoms while ensuring access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Regulations should focus on supporting women’s health and safeguarding the right to make personal medical decisions.

Community Colleges and Universities

The extension of Maine’s two-years-free community college program is a positive step in making higher education more accessible. It helps reduce student debt and provides opportunities for those who might otherwise be unable to pursue higher education. I support this extension and would advocate for further initiatives that make higher education affordable and accessible to all.

To address the issue of losing college graduates to other states, I would support policies that create job opportunities within Maine, especially in fields aligned with our educational institutions. This includes investing in local industries, providing incentives for businesses to hire graduates, and improving career services and job placement programs at community colleges and universities. Additionally, I would work on reducing the cost of living, including groceries and gas, to make Maine more affordable for its residents.

Communication

To reverse the trend of declining local news sources, I would support initiatives that fund and promote independent local journalism. This includes supporting non-profit news organizations and exploring funding models that allow local newspapers to thrive. Additionally, fostering community engagement and dialogue can help reduce partisan conflicts and strengthen local cohesion.

Economy in the State of Maine

While Maine’s economy has strengths, there are disparities that need addressing. I would work on policies that promote economic opportunities for all segments of society and focus on reducing the cost of essential goods like groceries and gas. Supporting small businesses, enhancing workforce development, and ensuring equitable economic growth are also key priorities.

To address the employment gap despite low unemployment rates, I would focus on enhancing job training programs, improving collaboration between educational institutions and employers, and creating incentives for businesses to invest in workforce development.

Affordable Housing

In addition to adjusting zoning and land use restrictions, I would advocate for increased funding for affordable housing projects, support for first-time homebuyers, and initiatives to address housing insecurity. It’s essential to explore all avenues to ensure that affordable housing is accessible to all Mainers.

Mental Health/Substance Use

To address the opioid crisis and mental health professional shortage, I would support increased funding for mental health services, expand access to treatment and support programs, and work on strategies to attract and retain mental health professionals in Maine.

Closing Question

To improve the quality of life in my district, I would focus on several key areas: enhancing education, supporting economic development, and addressing affordable housing. Having grown up in Waterville and lived in this area my entire life, I am deeply invested in seeing people in our district thrive. It’s crucial to ensure that families earn a livable wage to support their households and have access to affordable housing. Additionally, I am committed to reducing the cost of essential goods like groceries and gas, and working to prevent tax increases. My goal is to create a community where every resident can thrive, afford a stable home, and support their family without financial strain.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 3

Ethan Brownell

Background

As a teacher, father, and home-based childcare owner, I’ve seen first-hand the struggles that folks in this district are facing. I want to steer policy in a way that helps our rural communities and working families.

Schools

Right now, our schools are facing overwhelming challenges: student & teacher mental health, aging infrastructure, chronic absenteeism, and a dwindling teacher workforce. Our kids should feel safe and supported while they learn the skills they need to succeed after high school. We need to reward the dedication of educators and support staff with real, professional pay, benefits, and prestige. Teaching should be promoted as a critical, edifying line of work. Increase funding for wrap around services, after school programs, and community school support. Emphasize multiple pathways for career exploration, development, and transition. By investing in our schools, community colleges, and four-year public universities, we can create a Maine that’s not just keeping people, but attracting them.

Women’s Healthcare

Reproductive choices should be between families and their doctors. Government should not dictate who has to give birth, how and when. The state should continue to protect reproductive rights, and ensure family planning coverage in health care plans. Further, we need to ensure that children and families are cared for in those critical first years: support paid family leave, increase subsidies for child care, and ensure material health services after birth.

Community Colleges and Universities

I think this is a terrific way to ensure multiple career pathways for all Mainers. When I first went to school, like many of our kids I went to a private 4-year school. This turned out not to be the right answer for me – luckily community college was and was a critical stepping stone to being ready for 4-year school and beyond. Further, we have excellent vocational, technical, and certificate programs at these schools which can lead to a new career in whatever stage of life we’re in. Our community colleges can help us meet the challenges of Maine’s changing workforce with very little cost to families. We can invest in these institutions not just as degree-granting institutions, but community partners that help workers keep up professional certifications, learn ways to advance in and outside of their field, and be in professional and academic fellowship with peers from around the state.

Economy in the State of Maine

There is a regional divide that sadly is deepening. Infrastructure in rural communities has been stagnant or crumbling for years now, and we need public investments to needed physical plant and human capital. We need to make sure that the tax burden to ensure needed infrastructure and personnel development doesn’t fall on small business owners and working families. Additionally, I will ensure that Maine remains a state that protects a worker’s right to collectively bargain for equal pay and working conditions – a time-proven and honored way to make sure that those who build prosperity and wealth in our communities get their fair share.

Affordable Housing

The current bottleneck for housing is supply – we need to promote subsidies and benefits for firms building and renovating safe, affordable housing in the most needed communities. We need to promote the construction of multifamily housing – duplexes, triplexes, etc. Additionally, to help out prospective homebuyers, we need to broaden tax credits for first-time buyers to give families the best shot at generational wealth: homeownership.

Mental Health/Substance Use

I’ve seen it – there is a deep need for mental health support in our schools and communities. Schools need to be fully staffed with mental health professionals and provide mental health first aid training to help youth-facing workers to recognize and respond to threats and emergencies. There is also a deep desire among young people to fight against these crises. We can help guide them to these programs by highlighting social and medical career paths in our 2 and 4 year schools, providing mental health first aid training though schools and community centers, and increasing support for community mental health policing. I’ve seen how much young people in the state are affected by these crises, and I’ve seen just how many want to be on the front lines of this fight to a healthier, safer Maine.

Closing Question

I want to promote legislation that will build public support for the people of Maine so that they can have the freedom to build the life they want to have. Our schools need to be safe and nurturing, with broad community supports and engagement to make sure that parents can work, volunteer, and start businesses without worrying if their kids are safe. We need to make sure that high-quality child care is affordable while making it an attractive, well-paying career field. We can invest in public goods again that benefit those who are really struggling right now – and we absolutely should.

His opponent, Bradlee Farrin, did not respond to our survey.