The Freeporters have five days left to decide who to send to the Maine House of Representatives.

Incumbent Melanie Fleming Sachs, a Democrat, is seeking a third term this year to represent District 102 in the Maine House. Freeporter James “Jay” J. Finegan Jr., a Republican, is vying for his seat.

District 102 candidates spoke to the Times Record about their platforms, both highlighting concerns such as housing costs and the community’s tax burden.

Candidate responses have been lightly edited for grammar, spelling and brevity.

James “Jay” J. Finegan Jr.

Courtesy of Jay Finegan

Please tell readers a little about yourself.

I have resided in Maine since 1991 when I moved from Washington, DC. Since 2006, I have owned a home in Freeport, near Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park. I served overseas in the U.S. Army after graduating from Penn State University, then launched a long career in journalism. I am 74 years old.

Why are you running for this opening?

Maine has been largely under Democratic control since 1974. We are now the fourth highest taxed state. Our property tax burden, according to some analyses, is the highest in the country, but personal income ranks 42nd. The new legislature faces a budget deficit of about $950 million due to overspending. I would bring a common sense and fiscally conservative approach to our financial situation.

What are the most pressing concerns in your city? If elected, how would you address these challenges?

The cost of living is a concern everywhere. This situation is particularly serious for our youth, who face staggering costs for housing, child care, medical insurance, groceries and other essentials. I believe we have an obligation to pass on to our children and grandchildren a safe, strong and financially stable state and country. In many ways, we are failing them.

I would say the cost of housing is the most irritating challenge. The best way to address this is to promote the construction of affordable homes, condominiums and apartment buildings. Excessive regulation adds about 25% to the cost of a new home, so a regulatory review could generate savings. This is a critical workforce issue.

What experience/expertise would you bring to this offer?

For eight years (2005-2013), I served as Communications Director in the Maine House Republican Office, responsible for writing speeches, press releases, opinion columns, media relations and more . I know the legislative process. Subsequently, six years as a Chartered Financial Professional at Prudential gave me a solid foundation in investments, insurance and other aspects of finance.

Where can readers learn more about your application?

A Facebook page, Jay Finegan for Maine House, has information about my campaign. Additionally, I accept phone calls from constituents – 844-4393.

Melanie Fleming Sachs

Photo by Sharyn Peavey, courtesy of Melanie Sachs

Please tell readers a little about yourself.

Melanie Sachs, 55 years old. I had the honor of representing the State of Freeport in the Maine House for two terms. I grew up in Maine and graduated with a Phi Beta Kappa bachelor’s degree in political science from Bates College. I earned a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University and a Graduate Certificate in Business Data Analytics from the University of New Hampshire. I have been a licensed clinical social worker for over 25 years, with experience in the private commercial and nonprofit sectors. I have been deeply engaged in the Freeport community for nearly two decades as a city councilman, as a coach and volunteer at our RSU 5 schools, as the former executive director of Freeport Community Services, and as a volunteer for numerous arts and community organizations.

Why are you running for this opening?

Working with and for my community is a true joy. I have passed bills directly from our residents, such as working with the Freeport Accessibility Task Force on a bill standardizing the design of electric vehicle charging stations, or with our local member of the Freeport Cable Board of Directors to pass first-in-the-nation legislation protecting municipalities. franchise agreements (which generate revenue for the city and hold cable companies accountable) and with our school staff to improve benefits and policies. Making a difference on the issues Freeport residents care about is why I hope to continue in this role.

What are your most pressing concerns for the neighborhood? If elected, how would you address these challenges?

I spoke this summer with hundreds of Freeport voters who identify across the political spectrum. Here are the top four issues they talked about:

Environmental Protection/Climate Change: As one voter pointed out: “If we don’t protect our planet, then nothing else matters. » This is also the #1 issue Freeport residents talk to me about during the session. I’m a 100% lifetime vote-getter on issues like conservation, clean energy, and PFAS remediation. I sponsored and passed climate resilience funding bills for businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities last session in response to the extreme weather events that devastated communities across Maine , including Freeport.

Housing: As Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I led efforts to include historic levels of budget funding (over $200 million) to meet all levels of housing need. This included funding for critical shelter and emergency services for those who are unhoused, support for first-time home buyers and mobile home park tenants, rent reduction for those who have the most The need and construction of rural and low-income housing – all of which is needed by Freeport residents.

Property Tax Relief: As a former Freeport City Council President, I know the state’s actions to support local property tax relief are important. Last session, we fully funded municipal revenue sharing at 5%, which is critical for Freeport. I sponsored and passed a bill requiring the state to reimburse communities more quickly this year, so we could set local budgets based on actual numbers (which meant an immediate return of $97,000 to Freeport) . We met Maine’s commitment to fund 55 percent of K-12 education and increased homeownership exemption reimbursement from 70 percent to 76 percent, allowing more funds to be allocated to Freeport.

Health Care: I was honored to receive an award in 2023 from Maine Family Planning for my decades of work to provide and support access to reproductive health care, including passing a bill this session to ensure continuity of care after a merger/acquisition (requiring the new entity to continue providing reproductive care regardless of affiliation. This is of critical importance, especially in rural areas of Maine.). I also voted to increase funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, prohibit debt collectors from charging interest on medical debt, reduce the cost of prescription drugs, invest in nursing homes and nursing facilities. care for veterans, increase access to mental health care, and create a fee-for-service health care system. Family and Medical Leave Program. Health care is a human right and I will continue to work to ensure that everyone has access to the full range of affordable, quality health care.

What experience/expertise would you bring to this offer?

I am completing my second term as a Freeport State Representative in the Maine Legislature. I currently serve as Chairman of the House Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. During my first term, I served on the Tax Committee; the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee; and the Maine Climate Council Task Force on Buildings, Housing and Infrastructure.

I served six years on the Freeport City Council and was elected President (twice) and Vice President during my term. I bring more than two decades of experience as a skilled executive in the private business and nonprofit sectors, and as an active volunteer in local schools, youth organizations, and arts organizations.

I believe my experience as a legislator, city councilman, and licensed social worker has been extremely helpful to my constituents.

Where can readers learn more about your application?

Readers can reach Sachs through the website (Melanie Sachs at mainecandidate.com), FacebookInstagram (@melaniesachforme) or phone — 299-6825.

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