Republican

Zachary Smith

Age: 28

Hometown: Presque Isle

Address: P.O. Box 1605, Presque Isle, ME 04769

Education: Bachelor of Arts in business management in information systems

Family: Single

Occupation: Consultant

Experience: Former zoning board member, chairman of Aroostook County Republican Committee

Reason for running: I believe our state government has failed us and our youth retention rate is evidence of that. I want to work to end youth out-migration, along with repealing school consolidation and making Maine energy-independent.

Democrat

Patricia B. Sutherland

Age: 66

Hometown: Chapman

Address: 1738 Chapman Road

Education: Presque Isle High School; Bachelor of Arts in English, Saint Joseph’s College; graduate courses, University of Maine at Presque Isle

Family: Widow of Robert Sutherland; three children: Elizabeth Sutherland of Bangor, Andy Sutherland of Chapman, Ian Sutherland (deceased); grandson Ian.

Occupation: Retired college administrator; work part time as copy editor

Experience: Currently represent House District 7; college administrator; town of Chapman planning board (chairwoman) and Chapman Board of Selectmen; Northern Maine Development Commission board (chairwoman); Empowerment Council (chairwoman); member of PI Kiwanis; former member, chairwoman, SAD 1 board of directors

Reason for running: Aroostook is my birthplace; I understand rural. I advocate for us – helping farmers, loggers, small businesses; sustaining excellent local schools; enhancing access to higher education; and maintaining our outdoor heritage. I treasure our quality of life and quality of place and will utilize my knowledge of issues and broad, local experience to address our needs at the state level.