House District 16

Bangor

Republican

Douglas Damon

Age: 61

Hometown: Bangor

Address: 59 Seventeenth St.

Education: Auburn University of Montgomery, Ala., master’s in political science; University of Maine in Orono, bachelor’s in education

Occupation: retired Department of Defense; retired colonel, U.S. Air Force; real estate associate broker

Experience: city of Bangor Planning Board; formerly of city of Bangor Center Government Committee; lifelong military member, retiring as colonel; real estate broker, Realty of Maine

Reason for running: It is my desire to focus the state government on bringing good-paying jobs to the Bangor area. There are many ways to recruit and maintain modern-day jobs and careers to Bangor. Bangor has much to offer, most notably a high-quality and well-trained work force. I will also work to bring energy resources on line and to move the state of Maine to a more business-friendly posture.

Democrat

Steve Butterfield

Age: 25

Hometown: Bangor

Address: P.O. Box 1176 Bangor 04402

Education: SAD 16, Hall-Dale High (graduated in three years); attended George Washington University and University of Maine, international affairs

Family: single, no children

Occupation: nonprofits

Experience: fifth-generation Mainer; two years working with the state on wages, benefits and insurance issues for Maine’s home health aides; six months of state-level policy work with the Center for Policy Alternatives, including tax policy and children’s health care

Reason for running: I decided to run because I have the broad thinking and necessary skills to be an effective voice for you in Augusta. A legislator has to think about more than just one issue or problem. I will work hard to reform our taxes, improve our schools and health care, grow our economy and create new jobs with good benefits.