By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Due to term limits, Jessica Fay run as House District 68 state representative ended, and has opened the door to Craig Messinger (D).

But, Messinger faces a challenge from Rolf Olsen (R) for Fay’s old job.

House District 86 includes Casco, Frye Island, part of Poland and Raymond.

The News posed the following questions to the candidates — their answers appear alphabetically:

Q. How did you become interested in political office?

Messinger: I was contacted by some neighbors and friends who told me that our current state representative is at the end of their term and they were looking for someone to run, so I jumped in.

Olsen: It has long been my opinion that if you want to complain about something you should also be willing to try to solve the problem.

Over the years, I have served on both the town of Raymond Budget/Finance committee (29 years) and the Town Select board (8 years). On both of those boards, we looked out for the town and surrounding communities in areas ranging from public safety to education to programs for seniors and land use. Given the challenges facing working families around my district, I decided this was the right time to run.

Q. What characteristics do you possess that you feel will serve the best interest of your constituents?

Messinger: I have a rather weak CV for elected positions in my lifetime, however. I have been involved in union negotiations, public policy and helping to operate our local church. I believe that my experience of working with the general public through my public safety career allowed me to see people from all aspects. I believe that I have the ability to listen, and offer assistance when necessary.

Olsen: One of the biggest assets is that I don’t knee jerk. I look at a problem and think of ways to solve a problem.

Having served on the Budget/Finance committee and as a Select Board member, I have faced many varied events and needs that needed to be addressed. Be the issues related to budget, land use, public works, public safety, economic development, road improvements, recreation opportunities, programs for seniors.

As a licensed insurance agent, I have a unique understanding of the health needs of our citizens. Be it governmental issues or health needs issues, the first step is to listen, then look at options then act to implement a solution. I have done this time and time again with proven positive results at both the individual and municipal level.

Q. Name three issues that concern you the most, and explain why and what can be done?

Messinger: 1.) Property taxes. I believe that property taxes are out of control for many people, especially those on fixed incomes. I would like to work to reintroduce tax incentive rebates, especially for people on fixed incomes, so that they may be able to afford to stay in their homes.

2.) Elderly in-home services. I will work to increase compensations and benefits for home care workers, to assist our elderly population, so that they can afford to stay in their homes and not be forced into nursing care facilities.

3.) Affordable housing. I believe that we need to have all communities in Maine fund and build affordable housing in their communities, so that the people who actually work in these communities can afford to live there and possibly raise a family.

Olsen: First and foremost is a responsible budget that focuses on prioritizing the most pressing needs of the state, without increasing the tax burden on Maine families. Secondly, we need to address the high electricity costs that are facing Maine families, as well as rising property taxes. Third, we need to do more to provide college alternatives by funding more vocational programs to give training in technology and trades.

The budget is a function of the programs offered by the state, we need to examine every program and every expense to find ways to lower both taxes and fees. On point two, we need to look at the subsidies paid from the solar initiative that are causing a direct expense to the rate payers. Also, the recently revoked tax relief for seniors needs to be relooked at and properly written and funded.

Q. We presently live in a very divided country when it comes to politics. What would be your approach to working both sides of the aisle to achieve needed change?

Messinger: I believe that our country has been as divided worse than I have ever seen it. At the state level, I feel that my ability to listen to critical issues and let people actually talk is a very strong attribute. I feel that I can bring people together by providing dialogue.

Olsen: Starting from the position that we tend to agree on more things than we disagree on, it is important to maintain dialog with both sides of the aisle. There will always be disagreements on some items, but this is where compromise comes in. If we keep in mind that we are there to serve our constituents and indeed the people of the state and keep that forefront, working with others becomes easier.

Q. Finally, if elected, how will you remain connected with the people you serve?

Messinger: I agree that it is imperative to stay connected to the people that we serve and represent. Fortunately, now we have many different forms of communications and we should use each and every one to stay connected including e-mail, accessible phone numbers, Facebook and web pages.

Olsen: There are a number of ways we will be able to keep people up to date on what is going on. There are newsletters, surveys, and other communications that will be sent out. My contact information will be available at the Town Halls and the town website so people can contact me with any questions or concerns. I will be available to meet with any groups to listen to concerns.