Kristi Bryant

Age: 41

Town:  Kennebunkport

Education: Graduate of Kennebunk High School, graduate of USM with a BA in social science and minor in education.

Occupation: Reference and technology librarian and member of the Kennebunkport Board of Selectman

Party affiliation: Republican

Political experience: Involved politically for many years, organized a successful grassroots campaign to overturn the 2005 Kennebunkport Comprehensive Plan by a huge margin, Kennebunkport Selectman since 2006, liasion to the planning board, former liasion to the Pier Committee, current liasion to the Shade Tree Committee. Chairman of Wells Technology Committee as part of my responsibilities to the town of Wells where I am employed.

Organziations: Maine Library Association

Why are you seeking election and what makes you the best candidate for the seat? I strongly feel that the Maine economy is in serious trouble and spending is out of control on many levels, especially on the state level. During my time on the BOS, I have worked diligently to control spending, to assess ways to reduce costs while still providing essential services, and was the initiator of a local Circuit Breaker Program to help those who need assistance with their property taxes. While I do not support the governor’s school consolidation legislation, and feel it should be repealed, I have worked to protect our position in the newly formed RSU, and have taken a firm stance to protect the students in our district while working for a fair funding formula. While I respect my opponent, Nancy Sullivan for her years of service to the legislature, I feel it is time for a change. The democratic legislature has done a poor job of controlling costs to the taxpayer in Maine. Nancy has been involved with the committee that oversees the Dirigo program. The costs of that program have been exorbitant, and the results have been dismal. While I completely understand the crisis that many Mainers face related to health care, I cannot endorse a failing program. One which in order to stay solvent will again raise taxes on the average Mainer, and especially on the beverage industry in Maine. 

Municipal spending: My priorities include providing essential services at a reasonable and responsible cost, for example education, infrastructure and emergency services such as KEMS.

Nancy Sullivan

Age: 59

Town: Biddeford

Education: Bachelor of science in education, University of Southern Maine.

Occupation: Teaches at the Saco Middle School.

Party: Democrat

Political experience: Served two terms in the Senate and three in the House of Representatives; one term on the Biddeford School Committee.

Organizations: First Parish Congregational Church in Saco; member of the Delta Kapa Gama honors society for women’s education and a member of the teachers association. 

Why are you seeking reelection and why do you think you are the best person to fill the seat? I am seeking re-election because I believe my mode of governing and building consensus is needed to move us forward especially in tough times.

I believe that I am the better candidate because I bring experience, a strong work ethic, a balanced perspective, innovative ideas, the ability to listen and solid judgment and decision-making skills to the office.

Municipal spending: As a state senator representing four separate municipalities, how each spends resources is really a local issue. LD 1, passed two years ago, does dictate that if a community exceeds a spending cap, they must have a public vote. I do support that.

Tax-reform priorities: I believe strongly that we must re-structure our tax system. We depend much too heavily on local property tax. As with most financial issues, we must have a logical, balanced, and diverse plan. The state, county and local governments must also review programs for effectiveness and be ready to discard those that no longer work.

Growth and development: Again this appears to be a municipal question. I support a comprehensive plan that the majority of voting citizens voted to accept. On the state level I support the Brookings Report.

Education funding: The state and the municipalities must find new solutions that will save money, yet offer a quality education. I have submitted a bill asking to compute the school year by number of hours rather than days. This would allow for the consideration of a four-day school week saving 20 percent in transportation costs and additional heating and utilities costs.

Economic development: In spite of tough financial times, I believe we must invest in economic development. We must continue to streamline the permitting process. I supported LD 262, which was eventually rolled into the budget, to allow investment and a historic tax credit to rebuild our mills. This will allow venture capitalist to invest in Maine.

Infrastructure priorities: I strongly support updating and maintaining our infrastructure. On Oct. 8, I was recognized by the General Contractors Association for being a leader in recognizing the need to support and grow our infrastructure.