Each Candidate in The Monument's news area was offered space to submit a 400-word or so position piece. Their essays are below. The Monument thanks all who participated and wishes all of you good luck November 2.


Candidate Mark Bryant (D-Windham) and Don Swander, (R-Windham): Candidates for Representative in District 110: Part of Gray and Part of Windham

Mark Bryant, a 19 year resident of Windham, has knocked on over 2000 doors in his candidacy for the Maine House of Representatives in District 110. District 110 is made up of part of the town of Windham and a portion of Gray.

Mark will bring new Ideas, new thinking and a new voice to Augusta.

Mark earned an Associates Degree in computer science, and has worked over 19 years at Sappi Fine Papers (S.D. Warren) in Westbrook as a paper maker. He currently works as a Peer Support Worker at the Career Center in Portland. Mark is well acquainted with the increasing loss of manufacturing jobs in Maine.

Mark has been active on a number of organizations and committees. He was Chair of the Windham Human Services Committee where he spearheaded renovations to the town Human Services Building. His role as Chair brought him in direct contact with citizens, local business and community organizations, area church leaders, senior citizen groups, including local, regional and state service agencies.

Mark served as Chair of the Committee on the Future of Volunteer Public Safety Services in Windham where he led an assessment of needs for the fire and rescue services, the fire and life safety codes, recognized volunteers and examined future facilities needs. His Committee produced a series of recommendations to the town council that were accepted and implemented.
His commitment to the future is evidenced by his dedication to the youth of Windham. Mark has served as a youth soccer coach (U-13 boys) travel teams, co-ed in house soccer, little league baseball coach, in house basketball coach and volunteered as an umpire and youth sports official.

Mark's leadership and talents were recognized at the State level as well. He was appointed to the State Emergency Response Commission and became instrumental in the development of statewide research and identification of health and safety hazards in Maine's workplaces.

Additionally, he served on the Maine Labor Group on Health, was a local council member for the Sappi Wellness and Employer Assistance Program and is a past member of the Health Care Cost Containment Committee. Currently, Mark sits on Windham's Voter Registration Appeals Board.

Mark Bryant lives with Diane Bryant, his wife for 27 years, at 166 Albion Road. They have three sons (Noah, Joshua, Adam). Mark Bryant is committed to serving you and your family's needs as a new voice in Augusta.

Mark Bryant asks for your vote on November 2nd.

Contact: Mark Bryant 892-6591 166 Albion Road, Windham Maine 04062

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Don Swander ( R): Candidate for Representative District 110:

Dear Gray residents in District 110

During these last six months, I have written numerous articles to explain my positions on issues so you could get to know me and how I think. I have tried to visit every house in my district to talk with you in person. I have written extensive position papers regarding your concerns and delivered information flyers right to your door.

Now, I want to remind you of some of the things I have told you. I am running for office because I am the father of seven children and I understand how financially hard it is raise a family in today's economy. Raising seven children has taught me skills which should help me in the House of Representatives, like how to set a budget and actually live within that budget, the need to apply spending restraints, the importance of having good health care,and it has taught me how to get along with each other in the House.

I am running for state office because I want to help Maine Government stop spending more than revenue received. I am running because I want to support immediate tax relief to 40% of Maine's most needy families by eliminating income tax for families and senior citizens having less than $28,000 per year income.

I am running because I want state wide property tax relief that is swift and fair. I am running because I want every eligible student who wants to go to college to be able to afford it. I am running because I want to help find ways to encourage our young people to return to or remain in Maine to work and raise their families. I am running because I want to help small businesses thrive and grow and create more good paying jobs.

I am running because I want to find ways to help farmers stay on their farms and pass it down to their children without tax penalties. I am running because I want to help veterans have access to the level of health care, benefits, and tax exemptions they deserve.

I know that many of you are concerned about Gray being split into two districts and worried about your representation. Therefore, I am running so that all of you living in District 110 will have a strong voice in Augusta to represent your ideas and beliefs.

Thank you for all the kind support you have shown me and I have just one favor to ask of you -- ON ELECTION DAY, DO NOT WANDER, GO TO THE POLLS, VOTE FOR SWANDER. Thank you -- Don Swander, candidate for State Representative.