Maine voters in the Tuesday, June 10, primary election will decide a number of contested elections between candidates of the same party, vote on one bond issue and, in many municipalities, local school budget validation questions.

This is the first year for the local school budget referenda, which is required under the school reorganization law enacted last year. Warrants for the school budget vote must list expenditures in 11 categories, and printed information about the budget must be displayed at polling places. The referendum question, though, simply will ask voters whether or not they approve the school budget. If the budget exceeds the maximum state and local spending target, the question will note that the budget includes locally raised funds that exceed the required local contribution under the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act. If the referendum fails in a community, budget meetings and referendum votes must be held until a budget is passed.

The statewide bond issue asks voters if they favor a $29.7 million bond issue for natural resource, agricultural and transportation infrastructure that will leverage $29.78 million in other funds.

Profiles of candidates in races that are contested follow.

U.S. SENATE

For the U.S. Senate, two Democrats, Thomas Allen of Portland and Thomas Ledue of Springvale, are running to contest Republican Senator Susan Collins of Bangor in the November election.

Thomas Allen

Tom Allen is currently a congressman for Maine's 1st District, which he has represented since 1996. He is a member of two House committees, Energy and Commerce, and Budget. Information on his positions is from his website, <www.tomallen.org>.

Allen voted against giving the president the authority to invade Iraq in 2002. He has worked to set a deadline to begin bringing home troops from Iraq and has called for oversight hearings on private contractors and waste of taxpayers' dollars. He has also voted for increases in funding for veterans' medical care.

Allen has introduced a bill to reduce taxes for middle class families and individuals and has called for "pay as you go" rules that would require offsets to pay for new tax cuts or new spending. He opposes trade agreements for large corporate interests. Allen's plan for small businesses includes a tax credit to offset increased fuel prices.

While in Congress, he has worked to expand health insurance options and to lower the cost of prescription drugs.

Allen favors investing in alternative and renewable energies and opposed the Bush-Cheney energy bill. He co-sponsored the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act and supported a rollback of tax breaks given to the five largest oil companies. He supports a new national energy policy that would decrease the country's reliance on fossil fuels and foreign oil and would encourage innovation and conservation.

With Rep. Henry Waxman, he introduced the Safe Climate Act to help stop climate change and control carbon dioxide emissions. Unlike proposals that just focus on power plants, the bill would reduce carbon from all major emitters, including power plants, automobiles and large factories.

Thomas Ledue

Tom Ledue, who describes himself as "an uncommon candidate," recently stopped in Eastport, Lubec, Calais and Machias to hear local hopes and concerns. "My goal is to spend quality time in every single county," says Ledue, a Portland native, educator and coach who now lives in Springvale with his wife and three young daughters.

Ledue's vision of "a new course for Maine and the nation" includes making policy decisions that "invest tax dollars using fiscal discipline to reinforce our common good." He will look for ways to empower people, strengthen communities, build a sustainable economy and "help our nation lead in partnership with the world."

"We need bold action that is not beholden to conventional politics but rather built upon the common sense and genius of our people," believes Ledue. "Perspective is important. We cut the job of one social worker to save money, but what if that social worker isn't around to keep someone out of prison? We'll be spending even more money taking care of that prisoner than we would paying her salary."

"We need to secure our future by building a clean energy grid and a stable economy. We need to develop trade agreements that provide American job security while protecting foreign workers and the global environment from exploitation."

"We must also provide multiple pathways to access higher education and assure universal, equitable access to quality health care for all Americans," he notes. "At the same time, government needs to recognize that the best way to meet these goals is through local solutions, not big bureaucracy. We must safeguard the inalienable rights of our people and not allow fear to separate us from our freedom."

"We need people to work in Washington who have common sense," says Ledue. "Enough is enough. People need us to do the right thing."

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Republican John Frary of Farmington is running for the 2nd Congressional District seat that is held by Democratic Rep. Michael Michaud of East Millinocket.

MAINE SENATE DISTRICT 29

Democrat Charles Cameron of Addison is running for the Maine Senate in District 29. He will be facing Republican incumbent Senator Kevin Raye of Perry in the fall.

MAINE HOUSE DISTRICT 11

For the Maine House of Representatives, Republican incumbent Everett McLeod Sr. of Lee will be facing Democratic challenger Lynn Vicaire of Mattawamkeag in the fall.

MAINE HOUSE DISTRICT 30

In District 30, Democrat Dennis Mahar of Pembroke will be challenging Republican incumbent Howard McFadden of Dennysville for the District 30 seat in the November election.

MAINE HOUSE DISTRICT 31

In District 31, Republicans Judith Alexander of Calais and Martin Ingham of Robbinston are running to challenge Democratic Rep. Anne Perry of Calais in the fall election.

Judith Alexander

Judith "Judy" Alexander, a two-time mayor of Calais who narrowly lost to Anne Perry in the 2006 election, is a U.S. Navy veteran, earned a B.S. and her MBA from Georgetown University and recently retired from accounting so she could start her own woodworking business, "Maine-ly Wood."

Alexander says the three hot topics are health care, education and taxes. "The state has failed in health care. It's bankrupted the state with Dirigo."

She notes that the current educational funding plan benefits the schools in Maine's urban areas and "is devastating the rural areas." Of school consolidation, Alexander says, "Consolidation in theory is good. We have nine superintendents in Washington County. We don't need nine. We could have one for the north and one for the south. Right now, we're paying over $1,000,000 for superintendents. A lot of the educational funding doesn't get to the student level."

She says she was "ecstatic" back in 2004 when Downeast Maine became one of the eight Pine Tree Zones in the state C areas that could attract new businesses by greatly reducing their tax burden. "It was to help bring industry here, but then everybody else wanted it, so they got it."

Alexander has researched liquefied natural gas (LNG) and says, "I don't see where they have hurt anything anywhere, but what I do depends on what the people want. They're the ones who have to live with it."

She notes that the effort to build a casino in Washington County has gone on for years. "We overwhelmingly approved it. Governor McKernan said 'nope.' Governor Baldacci introduced the initial legislation and then changed his mind and said it's not a good development tool. Nothing is a cure-all, but if we had a casino, we'd get restaurants and other ancillary services."

Alexander is also in favor of exploring tidal power. "It doesn't necessitate building a dam. Underwater turbines can do the job, and we don't have to worry about tides."

Martin Ingham

Martin Ingham, who is married and the father of two young children, describes himself as a graduate "of the school of hard knocks" and is a manual laborer and science fiction writer. "You will always know where I stand," promises Ingham, who says it's time for the common citizens to take back their government. "We need more average people in Augusta."

Ingham wants the state to seriously cut taxes. "If the government took less money for taxes, that leaves people with more money to spend." He notes that if the money is being spent over and over again, it will generate more tax revenue through circulation. More people earn more money, so more tax may be collected from more people and the individual burden is less. "If all the money just gets grabbed from the first earner, then they cannot employ or patronize others, then others do not generate that extra revenue. This is a simple economic formula which eludes most politicians."

Ingham says the school district consolidation plan "is nothing more than a large power-grab by Augusta. [It] steals local control and denies local communities serious input into how their children are educated. The so-called 'cost savings' that were used to ram this through the legislature have already been proven false."

He's been "a strong supporter of Downeast LNG from the start" and favors the liquefied natural gas terminal proposed by Downeast LNG because it offers "substantial tax revenue to Robbinston which will allow our tax rates to drop significantly and provide stability for the future." He says Downeast LNG has provided credible documentation concerning LNG operations. Their plans have been laid out and virtually every major contingency has been addressed. "America needs the energy."

Ingham has also been a supporter of plans to build a casino in Washington County. "The area needs just about any economic development. If a casino was built in Calais, I will tell you that you'd see cruise liners coming in and dropping off passengers to spend their money there."

Ingham invites anyone who is interested in his political positions to check out his website, <www.martiningham.com>.

MAINE HOUSE DISTRICT 32

In District 32, Republicans David Burns of Whiting and Tony Maker of Machiasport are running for the seat currently held by Rep. Ian Emery of Cutler, who is not seeking reelection. The winner will face Democratic candidate Katherine Cassidy of Machias in the November election.

David Burns

Dave Burns, a Whiting resident and a graduate of Washington Academy and the University of Maine, says, "One of the issues we are facing right now for economic development is too many restrictions and taxes. Maine is the second highest tax state in the U.S." He believes the legislature can do some of the work to remedy the situation.

He believes the Pine Tree Zone has been helpful in areas where it is established. "It should be good for all the state. I would like to see it expanded and that is something the legislature can have an impact on."

Burns believes he has a good knowledge of Washington County and an understanding of the needs of the area. "I think I have that experience, and I am at a point in my life when I can devote a great deal of time to the job.... I would like to see our entire delegation go to Augusta with one voice."

Burns cites Eastport's Boat School as one of the diamonds in the rough in Washington County. "We are a coastal people and that type of training can provide jobs."

Asked about liquefied natural gas (LNG) proposed for three areas in the county, he says it is not a legislative matter but more of a federal matter. "I would support what the communities want. It should be done safely and not have impact on the environment, and the jobs that they say will come with it should be sustainable."

Drug addiction in the county is of concern to him. He sees the need for better education for families concerning the dangers of drugs and the need for rehabilitation of drug users if Washington County is to be healthy.

Burns' experience includes 24 years of service with the Maine State Police, seven years as director of the Rapid Response program for children and crime victims, six years as SAD 77 school board director and 19 years as a trustee on the Washington Academy Board of Trustees. His current community service includes Washington County Development Authority trustee, Whiting Planning Board member, Washington County Drug Action Team director and a Regional Medical Center Lubec-Healthways director.

Tony Maker

Time spent recently in Augusta on school consolidation led Tony Maker to think about running for the House District #32 seat. He has grave concerns about school consolidation. "At times it is very frustrating." Maker says consolidation in itself is not a bad word, but he is opposed to the way it has been handled. "It has not been a decision made by the towns. The legislature has said you will consolidate, and this is how you will do it. One size does not fit all. I come from a fishing village and a fishing family, so I know the challenges that are faced as the first member of my family to graduate from college. I also understand the barriers to higher education. I have been in the public forum for 19 years as an educator, town official and Christian charitable outreach director. After spending over 30 days and hundreds of hours in Augusta fighting to keep control of education at the local level, I feel I am ready to have an impact in Augusta. The local schools are the heart of our communities, and no one should have the authority to close a local school except for the citizens of that community. I will fight to preserve and strengthen that control."

Maker has taught grades 6-8 in SAD 77 and Elm Street School for 11 years. He has been principal of Elm Street School for the past eight years. He also served as a former Cutler selectman.

Maker believes the county needs to find economic development in the resources that are available C forestry, blueberries, ocean products. He says there is a need to process the products here. Most of the resources are sent elsewhere for processing. "We need to find ways to capitalize on our natural resources."

Maker says there is a need to find away to extend the railroad from Baileyville to Eastport. "Why can't we have our own wood pellet plant and ship them out of Eastport?" As for liquefied natural gas (LNG), he asks, "Can we find a spot in Washington County where it will not change the landscape? Again, it should be decided locally."

MAINE HOUSE DISTRICT 33

In District 33, Marie Emerson of Addison, a Democrat, will be running against Republican candidate Dianne Tilton of Harrington. The seat is currently held by Republican Rep. Joseph Tibbetts of Columbia, who is not running again.

COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 1

Republican incumbent Kevin Shorey of Calais is not being challenged for the District 1 seat on the Washington County commission.

COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 2

For District 2 for the Washington County commission, Democratic candidates Albion Goodwin of Pembroke and Daniel Swain of Machias are on the ballot in the June primary. The winner will face Republican incumbent Christopher Gardner of Edmunds in the fall.

Albion Goodwin

When Al Goodwin talks about "aggregation of power," he's not advocating tyranny. He's talking about a plan whereby power companies would be invited to bid annually on supplying electricity to users throughout the county. He believes county residents could save "at least a penny per kilowatt hour" through such competition among utility providers.

The Pembroke resident has served in local and state government and in Democratic politics for most of his adult life C four terms in the state legislature until he was "termed out," membership on the county budget advisory board, and for more than 40 years in Pembroke, service as Democratic committeeman, selectman, school committee member and chair, planning board member and chair, comprehensive plan committee member and chair, water district committeeman, and probably membership on a few other local panels he's forgotten about.

It was during his legislative service in 1999 that he introduced the bill, later signed into law as "An Act to Enable Counties to Establish Electricity Agencies," that he believes could serve as an effective tool for economic development in Washington County. He says he has been encouraging commissioners for years to take advantage of his bill and establish a county agency that would serve as "a public aggregator, broker or marketer" for any electricity consumer, public or private, located in the county.

Goodwin, 74, is not a fan of his fellow Democrat, Governor John Baldacci, whom he criticizes for "taking away local control. After 240 years of county government in Maine, power is dwindling away." When asked about state plans for consolidation of jails and prisons, Goodwin maintains the governor has overstepped his authority: "He has no power over jails."

He also levels some barbs at the current county commissioners, holding them partly responsible for high taxes in the county for "failing to appeal the state property valuation." Goodwin says, "Cumberland County appeals theirs every year, and they're successful [in getting it reduced]."

As for economic development issues, the retired Georgia-Pacific manager is a strong proponent for the port facility in Eastport. "That belongs to the whole county C it's state bonded C and it's underutilized. Now, it's only used by Domtar, and it should be expanded."

Daniel Swain

Daniel Swain is only 20 years old, but he wants people to know he has more experience in politics and government than most people twice his age. Since he was an eighth grader and began visiting the seat of state government in Augusta, the UMM junior has had a keen interest in politics. He has served "many times" as a Senate page, worked on the campaigns of Democrats for state and local office and now heads the Machias Democratic Committee.

He's concerned about the reality of Washington County's status on the low rung of the economic ladder and the county's perception in Maine. "How can we see ourselves positively if the rest of the state doesn't regard us well," he asks. "I want to bring back confidence in the county."

The Canaan native came to Machias only a few years ago to attend the university, but he says he's found the place where he wants to spend his life. He loves the beauty of the environment and opposes LNG projects in the county, but favors residential development. He believes the comprehensive plan of the Land Use Regulation Commission is too restrictive of new home construction in the unorganized territory and will limit economic development in the county.

He says he opposes the school consolidation law as "not right for Washington County," though he acknowledges county commissioners can offer little more than advice on that issue. County taxes concern him, since "we have the lowest per capita income in the state, but the highest taxes. We have to find ways to bring in more revenue, apart from taxes," he adds. Swain wants to create more jobs through environment-friendly industries. He supports economic development through tourism and tidal and wind power projects, for example.

Swain thinks that county operations are the "forgotten" level of government in Maine. "Most people don't know what a county commissioner does," he says. Some of Washington County's attributes that he thinks the commission should promote include "our beautiful landscape," plans for "a billion dollar wind farm" in the northern section of the county, the production of "90% of the country's blueberry supply," and marine research at the university that is "leading the state."