As a new member of the Maine House of Representatives, I am deeply honored to serve the people of Gorham. I’ve lived in this area for over 20 years, I’ve raised my family here and I know our community represents the heart of Maine’s character and working heritage. I’m committed to being your voice in Augusta.
This is the first of my new monthly column series, where I intend to share the work I am doing at the State House, provide information on bills and offer helpful information and resources.
Right now, Maine families are struggling with rising costs across the board – from heating oil and electricity to groceries and housing. These costs aren’t just about numbers; they’re about Mainers having to make difficult choices about basic necessities and which bills to pay. As your representative, I’m focusing on practical solutions that put money back in the pockets of everyday Mainers, like expanding property tax relief programs. I’m also focusing on growing access to apprenticeship programs in the trades and promoting high-quality careers, supporting small businesses, finding ways to make housing more affordable and more. These aren’t partisan issues – they’re Maine issues, and I’m committed to working with all of my colleagues to solve them.
Our heritage industries aren’t just a critical part of Maine’s economy; they’re woven into the fabric of who we are. I grew up on a farm in rural Maine, and I’ve worked as a fisherman, lobsterman and facilities maintenance technician. I learned firsthand the value of hard work and the importance of protecting our traditional industries. Whether it’s supporting our local farmers as they tackle labor shortages and PFAS contamination or protecting water quality in our lakes and streams, I’m committed to preserving and strengthening our way of life.
I’ve been appointed to the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, which puts me in a strong position to fight for the protection of our outdoor resources and to ensure efficient, responsive government. On Veterans and Legal Affairs, I’ll lean on my experience growing up with my father serving in the U.S. Army to work directly on issues affecting our veterans and challenges facing the Maine National Guard. On Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, I’ll focus on supporting those who enjoy the hunting, fishing, trapping and other outdoor opportunities available here in Maine, while ensuring the safety of Mainers and the sustainability of the important resources they depend on.
Additionally, I have cosponsored legislation directing the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to establish a pilot program for the electronic tagging of deer, which would make it possible for hunters to field tag, eliminating the requirement to drive long distances to tagging stations, which often have long wait lines. A similar tagging program exists for turkey hunting and has been successful. I look forward to providing you further updates on this, and other legislation that I’m working on, as bills begin to move through the legislative process in the coming months.
My commitment to you is simple: I’ll be accessible, responsive and transparent. Whether you agree or disagree with my positions, your voice matters to me.
You can reach me directly at Parnell.Terry@legislature.maine.gov or call my office at (207) 287-1430. I also post regular updates on community resources and legislative activities on my official Facebook page. If you need assistance navigating state services or have ideas to improve our community, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Together, we can work toward a Maine that honors our traditions while building a stronger future for all our residents.
Rep. Parnell Terry, D-Gorham, is serving his first term in the Maine House of Representatives.