Name and address: Stacy Fielding Brenner, 388 Broadturn Road, Scarborough
Political Party: Democrat
Education: BS Agriculture, University of Arizona, BSN and MSN (nurse-midwifery), University of Pennsylvania
Employment: Co-Founder and operator of Broadturn Farm. Senior advisor for Land Access at Maine Farmland Trust
Personal information: Married to John Bliss with two daughters. Emma, a nurse at Maine Medical Center, and Flora, a high school Junior.
Political and community experience: State senator (since 2020), former board member of Maine Farmland Trust, currently on the Board of Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Organization (MOFGA).
Why are you running for office and how will your experience benefit your constituents?
I am running for reelection to continue the work I began when first elected in 2020. I have learned that the best work we do as a legislative body is when we work across the aisle. Whether it’s free school meals, affordable housing, technical education programs or addressing the effects of PFAS pollution, the most effective results are bipartisan achievements. I want to build on the relationships I’ve worked hard to create. As a nurse-midwife, I believe abortion is health care and I will continue to fight for safe, legal access to reproductive health care. As a farmer and small business owner, I know that farming and small businesses are bedrocks to our state’s economy and way of life.
What are the major issues facing Gorham and how might they be addressed?
My role in supporting Gorham is to listen to all the concerns of Gorham residents and learn about the issues. I carry those conversations with me every day to Augusta. Between property taxes and fear of inflation to balancing affordable housing and economic development. I will continue to fight for our schools to be fully funded, for childcare options, for property tax stabilization, and for measures that make Gorham a livable and prosperous town for all its residents.
Name and address: Timothy J. Thorsen, 124 Gray Road #B
Political Party: Republican
Education: BA Political Science, University of Washington
Employment: Director of project management, Rubb Building Systems, 1 Rubb Lane, Sanford, Maine. Retired US Marine Corps colonel
Personal information: Married to H. Rebecca Thorsen for 41 years, two adult children
Political and community experience: Member of and elected office holder in the Marine Corps League, member of and elected office holder in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 30 years military service
Why are you running for office and how will your experience benefit your constituents?
During my Marine Corps career, I had to be officially apolitical. After active duty I focused on supporting my family; I literally minded my own business. The turmoil sparked by COVID-19 and increasing government disregard for our civil rights pushed me over the threshold into taking action. I refuse to be governed by a foolish minority any longer. My project management and leadership experience suit me perfectly to be your Senator.
What do you see as the major issues for Gorham and how might they be addressed?
Maine’s economy impacts Gorham: Augusta stifles commerce by over-regulation and shuns abundant energy sources, harming all Mainers, especially those on fixed incomes. We MUST make Maine highly attractive to business, benefiting ALL Mainers.
Education: Our children deserve first class educations that prepare them to prosper. Parents should be in charge of exactly what their children are being taught. Taxpayer funded school curricula should be completely transparent to the public and subject to taxpayer scrutiny.