Ruth-Marie Spellman -- Senate District #31


	RUTH-MARIE SPELLMAN Senate District #31 *A Positive Choice!*

	I appreciate and welcome the opportunity to run as the Democratic candidate for Senate District 31. I fully recognize the many challenges that are involved in running as a candidate in such a large geographical district, one that includes 31 municipalities in both Hancock and Penobscot Counties. However, I eagerly accept these challenges and I pledge to work as hard as I am able to win this extremely important senate seat. I have devoted most of my entire adult life attempting to serve others in a wide variety of settings and by engaging in a diverse and broad array of activities: Among these settings and activities are the following: • Member of the Brewer School Committee from 1977 to the present. During these 29 years of consecutive service, I have served as chairperson several times. This position has enabled me to develop a comprehensive understanding of “what it takes” to provide our children with the most effective and appropriate public education possible. I believe in holding our students to high and challenging academic standards. However, I believe the developmental, emotional, social, and physical needs of our children also need to be addressed as part of their “education.” Our schools not only should prepare our children for college but, at the same time, they must not ignore other needs of our children and adolescents, including opportunities to improve their experiential and vocational skills. • Member of the United Technologies Center Board. I have served on this board for 20 years and currently serve as its chair. • Member and officer of the Maine School Board Association - 1981-1989. • Member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Brewer). Serve as Eucharist Minister. • Member of the Board of Directors of Project Atrium for over 20 years. Project Atrium serves adolescents with emotional, behavioral, and substance abuse issues. • Member of numerous groups and agencies that are involved in improving the health and well being of children, adolescents, and senior citizens. • Member and office holder - Beta Sigma Phi (cultural, social, and service organization) since 1966. Personal: Life-long resident of Brewer. My husband, Roland, and I are the proud parents of three grown children: James, Lorraine (Lori), and Lisa, and the proud grandparents of Ian, Alex, Erica, and Ryan. Education: Graduate of John Bapst High School Attended the University of Maine, Orono Work Experience: • Worked in a family-owned small business in Brewer (Landry's Appliance Store) for most my adult life. • Licensed Real Estate Broker, Prudential Northeast Properties. Why I Am A Candidate For Senate District 31: Having devoted most of my adult life attempting to be a good citizen and serving my community, I wish to continue serving my fellow citizens in a broader arena, the Maine State Senate. A life-long active Democrat, I believe strongly in the core values and principles of the Democratic Party. I would appreciate the opportunity to call upon these values and principles to guide my actions and my behaviors as a senator. I believe that the major function of government is to serve and to help people, especially those who are marginalized, disenfranchised, and discriminated against. As your senator, I will work hard to collaborate with others in an effort to develop and implement policies and laws that will improve the overall well-being of all Maine citizens, particularly those who are the most vulnerable and most needy. And, increasingly these citizens represent members of the middle class: hard-working people who simply find it difficult to survive in today's society due to misguided and punitive policies. I have many areas of interest that I believe need substantial attention by Maine legislators. In particular, I am interested in issues and concerns involving education, affordable healthcare, protecting our natural environment and precious natural resources, jobs that pay a decent living wage, sensible property tax relief, protecting and celebrating our senior citizens, and most importantly, protecting and promoting the needs of our most precious resource: our children. As a candidate for Senate District 31, I will not make any lofty promises or claims other than to promise that I will be a good listener to the concerns and views expressed by my constituents, and that I will work hard to earn their confidence and respect as their senator. It would be a privileged and an honor to serve as your state senator. I sincerely would appreciate your support on November 7.