An local attorney is running as a Democrat against a Republican selectman for House District 113 legislative seat, covering Farmington and New Sharon.
Edward David, who runs his own practice specializing in family law in Farmington, is running against first-term selectman Andrew Buckland, who was endorsed by the district’s former state Rep. Lance Harvell.
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Name: Andrew Buckland
Town: Farmington
Education: University of Maine at Farmington
Occupation: Self-employed musician, music teacher
Political experience: Farmington selectman
Name: Edward David
Town: Farmington
Education: University of New Hampshire, Boston University, and University of Connecticut
Occupation: Attorney, Farmington Family Law
Political experience: Family Law Advisory Commission
Harvell withdrew his bid for re-election just after receiving the nomination in the June primary, and at the caucus to elect a successor, he said he was endorsing Buckland’s run in his stead.
Buckland, who owns a small business teaching music and renting instruments, said he would like to seek opportunities that lower burdens on small-business owners.
“It’s the tax regulatory climate and it’s also the need for an educated workforce,” he said.
Buckland added that the Legislature has “huge opportunities” to help small businesses by finding ways to lower energy costs, and he noted a potential Farmington natural gas pipeline as an example.
The University of Maine at Farmington graduate, who had been campaigning with UMF college Republicans earlier this week, said he previously taught at Mt. Blue School District and before that, he worked in Winslow at Northeast Labs and for the Department of Environmental Protection.
When it comes to MaineCare expansion, Buckland said his vote would depend on how the legislation is worded.
“All I can say is I’d be looking at it closely,” he said.
Buckland’s opponent, David, said the potential to expand MaineCare is the primary reason he became interested in running for the Legislature.
“That’s millions to our hospitals that we are losing out on,” he said.
If elected, David said his other priorities would involve restoring the amount of sales tax revenue shared with municipalities to their past funding levels before budget cuts and uphold the state government’s obligation to pay the 55 percent of state’s Essential Programs and Services formula.
David, a Navy veteran and a resident of Maine for the past 39 years, said his past government experience includes serving on the Family Law Advisory Commission, which advises the Legislature on family law matters. David said his qualifications also include experience running his own business, Farmington Family Law, and serving on the board for Greater Franklin Development Corporation, an economic development group that promotes business in the greater Franklin County area.
Kaitlin Schroeder — 861-9252
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