Vote 2008 House District 39 Hampden-Dixmont area

Democrat

Dave Higgins

Age: 52

Hometown: Hampden

Address: 304 Old County Road, Hampden, ME 04444

Education: John Bapst Memorial High School, Class of 1973; University of Maine, degree in liberal studies, 1976

Family: Married to Joanne; two children: Elizabeth and John

Occupation: Retired railroad conductor, self-employed small-business owner

Experience: Worked for the Maine Central Railroad as a trainman from 1976 to 2002, and has been local chairman of the UTU for 20 years; for the past 15 years has been a self-employed small-business owner investing his time and talent into his community.

Reason for running: Having lived and worked in this area all my life, I have encountered the same issues facing many of us today. I will use my experience and a commonsense approach to the issues to work toward an effective and responsible state government that respects the diverse opinions of all who live in the district.

Republican

Andre Cushing

Age: 49

Hometown: Hampden

Address: 54 Constitution Ave.

Web site: www.andrecushing.com

Education: attended John Bapst High School and University of Maine

Family: Married to Gwen; daughter Grace, sons Andre and Gerald; dog Nike

Occupation: Realtor with ERA Dawson Bradford Co.; contractor for new home construction with Colonial Contracting Corp.

Experience: Hampden Town Council (2006-present); prior service on council, charter review board and land use review board; involved in numerous civic organizations, including Hampden Kiwanis, Bangor Jaycees, Bangor Rotary, EMMC Children’s Miracle Network Board, Phillips-Strickland House, Eastern Maine Community College Foundation, Avalon Village, Black Bear United Football Club, Hampden Business Association, Citizens for Quality Education; small-business owner for more than 25 years

Reason for running: I have learned to be a problem solver, I don’t claim to have all the answers, the only thing I promise is what I can be sure to deliver; that I will listen to your concerns, and work hard to find a solution and that I will respect that fact that you placed your trust in me to represent you.