NEWPORT – Ten candidates for the state Legislature were in the hot seat Monday as Nokomis Regional High School students quizzed them on issues of concern.

Anyone who might have thought the students’ questions would be immature or frivolous were very, very wrong.

One after another, the questions centered on the economy, aid to education, school consolidation, the legalization of marijuana, alternative energy, the proposed Plum Creek development, abortion, gun control, gay marriage and casinos.

The candidates participating included House District 25 Rep. Josh Tardy, R-Newport, and his opponent, Democrat Fred Austin; House District 28 Rep. Dean Cray, R-Palmyra, and his opponent, Democrat Pamela Hitchcock; House District 29 Rep. Stacey Fitts, R-Pittsfield, and his opponent, Democrat Valory Slymon; Sen. Douglas Smith, R-District 27, and his opponent, Democrat Susan Mackey-Andrews; and Sen. Debra Plowman, R-District 33, and her opponent, Democrat Wanda Beland.

Several of the candidates recognized the students as the future leaders of the state and acknowledged that many of the changes they are seeking will be up to them. The candidates also stressed the importance of building an economy that will retain Maine graduates.

“Right now, the best export from Maine is you guys,” Plowman said.

During their individual speeches, the candidates talked about state funding for education, responsible voting, tax credits, alternative energy, school consolidation, oil dependence, high income taxes, jobs and health care.

Nokomis holds a similar forum every four years, teacher Brian Hanish said. “It is important for our students to learn we have a citizen republic and an average citizen can run for office. One person with an idea can run,” Hanish said. “They need to see that these candidates are people just like them.”

Two of the candidates are just like them: Cray and Tardy are Nokomis graduates, and Tardy works there as a basketball coach.

Hanish said that none of the students’ questions was screened. “We made suggestions as teachers, but we trusted that the students would take the process maturely.”

Hanish said that with just eight days to go before the election, many students are excited about the process. About 60 Nokomis students are old enough to vote, and many in the audience were wearing their candidates’ T-shirts to show support.

Principal Arnold Shorey said, “We try to teach our students to be informed voters and to take the time to learn about the issues.” He said that companion activities, such as debates, have been held in the junior and senior classes.

“This year, especially, everyone seems very interested,” Shorey said.

The school will hold a mock election for all seats – federal, state and local – on Thursday. “The candidates will call us for the results,” said Hanish. “It always seem to be an indication of how their parents will be voting.”

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