HOUSE DISTRICT 64: Waterville (part)
Flavia DeBrito Â
Flavia DeBrito
D-Waterville
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS (related to campaign): flaviaformaine.com, FB: Flavia for State Rep
OCCUPATION: Community advocate
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in political science from Thomas College
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS: Ward 2 city councilor, Maine State Parent Ambassador
PERSONAL INFORMATION (hobbies, interests, etc.): I am passionate about cooking and experimenting with new and traditional dishes. Being outdoors and camping are also activities that bring me much joy. And, of course, spending quality time with kids is always a highlight of my day.
FAMILY STATUS: As a single mom of four, life can get pretty hectic, but seeing my oldest graduate from the University of Maine in Orono in 2022 and now working as a teacher fills my heart with pride and joy. I may face challenges, but knowing I have made it this far gives me the strength to keep pushing forward. Living at home with my three youngest, Isabella, Madeline, and Anthony, may keep me on my toes, but their love and laughter make every moment worth it.
Q&A
1. Name one issue the Legislature got right last session (i.e. a good bill that passed or bad one that was rejected). Explain your reasoning. (Please limit your answer to 150 words.)
One of the crucial issues that the Legislature managed to get right during the last session was Maine Housing funding made possible by a $17.5 million allocation made by the Legislature during the first session, as well as a $10 million allocation made as part of the recently approved supplemental budget. I am genuinely proud of our progress, knowing more work is ahead. The work from both the Legislature and the governor has been instrumental in making this possible. We are allowing more access to housing in our district.
2. Name one issue the Legislature got wrong last session. Explain your reasoning. (Please limit your answer to 150 words.)
This year, efforts to advance a constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion rights and protect against potential access restrictions in the future faced obstacles. The 131st Legislature in Maine put forth a series of bills aimed at expanding and safeguarding abortion rights. While progress was made with the enactment of these bills, the push for a constitutional amendment to provide further protection for access to abortion fell short. The aim was to ensure that even if there was a change in the political landscape, such as the GOP gaining control of state government, access to this critical health care procedure would remain secure.
3. Characterize your view on public access to governmental business. (Please limit your answer to 50 words.)
In a democratic society, transparency in government affairs is essential to uphold the principles of accountability and public trust. I firmly believe everything about government business should be accessible to the public. The transparency of public records ensures that the government is acting in its citizens’ best interest and fosters informed decision-making among the public.
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Andrew Dent
D-Waterville
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SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS (related to campaign): facebook.com/dentformaine, instagram.com/dentformaine,Â
OCCUPATION: Financial services representative
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts, American History, Southern New Hampshire University
PERSONAL INFORMATION (hobbies, interests, etc.): Pastimes include writing, reading, gaming, and watching educational content, particularly on politics and American history
FAMILY STATUS: Married, no children
Q&A
1. Name one issue the Legislature got right last session (i.e. a good bill that passed or bad one that was rejected). Explain your reasoning. (Please limit your answer to 150 words.)
The Legislature’s passage of L.D. 2273, which sought to establish a minimum wage for farmworkers, was definitely, in my opinion, one of the highlights of the last session. I vociferously supported this legislation because I believe that all workers deserve sustainable wages, regardless of their industry. Furthermore, research shows that raising the minimum wage reduces poverty, stimulates the economy, and has a negligible, if any, effect on prices. Unfortunately, Gov. Mills vetoed L.D. 2273, but, if I am elected, I intend to revisit this legislation and deliver fair, sustainable wages for Maine farmworkers.
2. Name one issue the Legislature got wrong last session. Explain your reasoning. (Please limit your answer to 150 words.)
I was disappointed by the Legislature’s failure to pass L.D. 860, which would have initiated the process of expanding passenger rail in Maine. Our state is in desperate need of public transit expansion, and this legislation would have determined the fiscal feasibility of engaging in this effort. I understand and validate concerns regarding the financial sustainability of this service, but such concerns would have been addressed had this bill been passed without totally stymying our efforts to expand access to public transportation, which, research shows, would create jobs, stimulate the economy, and reduce carbon emissions. If I am elected, I will eagerly work towards expanding public transportation in a fiscally responsible way.
3. Characterize your view on public access to governmental business. (Please limit your answer to 50 words.)
I believe that our government should be one of, by, and for the people, that it should be easier for everyday Mainers to become involved in public activities and hold their government accountable, and that we should invest in making these things easier for everyday Mainers to do.
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