PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (WAGM) – It’s time again for our political profile series. WAGM partnered with the Aroostook Partnership to interview candidates in the Maine House and Senate races. Each candidate was given five minutes to answer the same three questions provided in advance. All interviews were conducted via Zoom. The 4th District of the Maine House of Representatives is a race between incumbent Republican Tim Guerrette and challenger Democrat Sam Paradis. This is the challenger, Democrat Sam Paradis.
Jason Parent: If elected, what are your top three priorities for the next Congress?
Sam Paradis: My top three priorities all come together to ensure Aroostook County remains a family- and worker-friendly county. Therefore, we ensure access to housing by consciously increasing the housing stock and encouraging development to ensure access to housing for workers and families, while ensuring the preservation of local historic buildings and natural resources. I am thinking of doing so. Healthy living and affordable living options. And through that, we’re also looking at public-private partnerships to build more desperately needed housing units in the area. My second priority is protecting access to and maintenance of our world-class trail system. I think one of the reasons so many people enjoy living in Aroostook County is our great access to the outdoors and the ability to be active. You want to make sure you protect it in both winter and summer. We’re really lucky to live here in all four seasons. And our third priority is to help working families maintain employment by making child care affordable and accessible.
Kelly: Okay. In your role as an elected state official, what will you do to advance this policy?
What is the economy and workforce like in Aroostook County?
Sam Paradis: Yeah, same as the first answer. So going to the state legislature and advocating on behalf of people and creating policy with Aroostook County front and center in mind means keeping people here, housing and child care. I think that includes being accessible. , health care, recreational leisure, and all of these things are what make our communities so vibrant, and lately, you know, with inflation over the past few years, prices have gone up, and that’s why I is the biggest thing you hear at the door. That’s why we’re working on policies at the state level in every way possible to make life affordable for people here in Aroostook County.
Jason: You have about half of your time left, and you have about 2 minutes and 20 seconds to answer the last question. Why should voters in your district vote for you?
Sam Paradis: Yeah. Having grown up working on potato farms here in Aroostook County in the St. John Valley, I know the value of hard work. And I really want to make sure that hard work is enough to build a good life in the county. So that people have what they need to live well, live well, and enjoy what we have. Because of the beauty of our natural environment here in Aroostook County, and as a nurse practitioner, I bring my healthcare experience to every decision and the health of our community is affected by every policy. I know that. So, please vote in November. Even if you haven’t met us yet, we would appreciate it if you could join us. Please contact us and we will be happy to talk to you and answer any questions you may have.
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