House District 5

Part of Presque Isle

Republican

Elizabeth Michaud

Age: 47

Hometown: Presque Isle

Address: 139 Parkhurst Siding Road

Education: Presque Isle High School, Gallaudet University

Family: One son, Michael; one daughter, Amy; two grandchildren, Ryan and Kolbie

Occupation: Home renovator

Experience: Shift supervisor and employee of the year for a fast food restaurant, business owner, sign language interpreter, American sign language teacher, certified lead teller, volunteer for Shrine Circus, Chamber of Commerce (Presque Isle), Aroostook Mentoring Program, Gift Food Pantry, Christmas tree farmer

Reason for running: “Coming from a seven-generation Aroostook family, I understand the joys and struggles the people of Presque Isle experience. The state has some lean times ahead and I will oppose any attempts by Augusta’s cost-shifting to local property tax payers. I realize the importance of giving back to the community through volunteering whether in the schools, civic organizations or public service. I want to serve because I am from here and for here.

Democrat

Michael Willette

Age: 39

Hometown: Presque Isle

Address: 80 Hardy St.

E-mail: mikeblackbear@gmail.com

Education: Medical specialist training and hyperbaric medicine and licensed EMT in the U.S. Army; BS in biology and chemistry; teaching certification; associate broker’s real estate license; auto mechanic and fabricator

Family: Married to Pamela (Sites) Willette for 17 years; three children: Alexander, Sophia and Maddasin.

Occupation: Realtor

Experience: I have worn many hats and it has kept life interesting. I have been an auto mechanic, firefighter, EMT, medical specialist, store manager, supervisor, educator, soldier (volunteered for Desert Storm 1990-91 as a combat medic), father and husband. Most recently I have undertaken a new profession as a Realtor and I am co-founder of Black Bear Realty Group in Presque Isle.

Reason for running: I am running to make sure that our state government doesn’t forget that Maine doesn’t stop at Bangor. I want to do what I can to make our health care system make sense and work for all of the people in Maine. I want to make staying warm in winter not be a gut-wrenching choice between food, medicine or heating oil. I want better-paying jobs for our area and I want us to be first in line to take advantage of the burgeoning green energy markets that are being created now.