House District 33

Cherryfield-Milbridge area

Republican

Dianne Tilton

Age: 49

Hometown: Harrington

Address: 1247 U.S. Highway 1A

Education: BA in journalism, University of Maine

Family: Married; two children

Occupation: Consultant at RHR Smith & Co., CPA

Experience: Eighteen years working in the nonprofit field to promote business and community development in Washington County; founding executive director of Sunrise County Economic Council, served more than 13 years; 18 years’ service on statewide and regional boards, commissions and governor-appointed task forces, including Maine Economic Growth Council, Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research and Education, and the Maine Rural Development Council (now Maine Rural Partnership); Graduate of Leadership Maine Program and the Washington County Leadership Institute.

Reason for running: I have spent my career understanding the challenges and opportunities of this region, and communicating them to people who can help. I am a relentless problem solver, a passionate advocate, and am proud to live in this district. Now I want to use my qualities and experience to serve the people in our communities as a legislator.

Democrat

Marie Emerson

Age: 57

Hometown: Addison

Address: 383 Indian River Road

Education: BS from University of Southern Maine; MS from USM

Family: Married to farmer Dell Emerson; four children, five grandchildren

Occupation: Teacher, farmer, business owner (Wild Blueberry Land, bakery-gift shop)

Experience: Tourism Commission, Transition Team, Business Fairness Board, Maine Community College Finance Board

Reason for running: So many of our young people are leaving Washington County. We need livable-wage jobs – we need to develop our high tide into power and add value to our natural resources instead of shipping them away.