Ellsworth man seeks nomination for District 127

ELLSWORTH — Ellsworth resident John Cunniff has announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for representative from House District 127, a position currently held by Ruth Foster of Ellsworth.

Cunniff is being opposed in the Republican primary by Deale Salisbury. A Blue Hill Democrat, Ellen Walker, has also announced her intentions to seek the office.

The concerns of small businesses are of primary concern to Cunniff, with hundreds of small businesses in District 127, ranging from mom and pop shops and antique stores to hardware and home improvement businesses, along with restaurants and guest houses. Small businesses create most of the employment in this coastal community and are the backbone of the nation. Cunniff says his interest in politics has always been strong and stems from his graduate school days, when he was active as a volunteer in the Republican Party.

Cunniff holds a bachelor of science and master of arts degree in microbiology and is a senior research assistant at the Jackson Laboratory. Both Cunniff and his wife, Ann, who holds a master of arts degree in Soviet foreign policy, are currently licensed real estate brokers with ERA High Street Agency. Both of them have formerly taught at the university level; in addition, they have taught math and English for the G.E.D. program at Ellsworth high school.

As a real estate broker, Cunniff says he is aware of the acute shortage of affordable housing in the area. Good programs exist already for first-time home owners, such as MSHA and FmHA, but more attention needs to be given to this problem.

It is likewise important to address property tax relief. Cunniff is a strong supporter of the Homestead Exemption bill proposed by Rep. Jackson, which will shift the property tax burden away from primary residences.

As the father of three children, Cunniff states that his concerns for the future of this area are real and that his experience and energy will serve the district well.