Helping people is at the core of both candidates’ drive for running in Maine House District 53, serving Woolwich, Dresden, Arrowsic, Georgetown, Phippsburg and part of Richmond. The incumbent is Rep. Allison Hepler (D-Woolwich); the challenger, Jeffrey Pierce (R-Dresden).

In an email interview, Hepler, who serves on the Woolwich Selectboard, said “COVID has especially made each day unpredictable, but getting answers for people I represent feels like about the most useful thing I can do with my life, and the people I’ve met, both in our district and in state government, have been rewarding, interesting, and my favorite part of this job, frankly.”

In a phone interview, Pierce said “Everyone deserves a chance (and) I just want to be able to help out so people can stay in the state of Maine.”

When asked about her top three priorities, Hepler identified the expansion of broadband, reducing energy costs in an environmentally friendly way, and expanding the Maine Educational Opportunity Tax Credit. “(Broadband) is critical if we are to sustain and build on the amount of remote working that occurred during the pandemic. It is also a key component of economic development in attracting new businesses and expanding current ones in the state.”

Pierce identified roads as one priority, saying “Our roads and infrastructure are in terrible condition.” He also said elderly housing is a big concern. “We’re clearly lacking there and these are people who have paid into the system their whole lives.” Pierce said skills training is extremely important, even as early as the first year in high school. He said the average age of carpenters and plumbers is rising and that people will be needed in those lines of work.

Both candidates shared the concern of attracting and keeping people in Maine. Pierce said, “People want jobs and they want good jobs. They want to be able to live and not worry about their bills.” He said healthcare has to be part of the conversation as well as keeping taxes affordable for both businesses and people. Hepler said attracting and keeping people in Maine includes “broadband expansion, quality schools, reducing energy costs in an environmentally friendly way ... and helping our elderly age in place. Focusing on attracting and keeping people here has the benefit of helping all of us.”

When asked how he connects with constituents, Pierce said he “always has a smile” and is very approachable. “I’ll always answer the phone and make sure someone is listening to you. I try to use common sense on everything and find the middle ground.”

Hepler said of the pandemic, “This experience of serving the community during these unprecedented times has given me a deep appreciation for the members of our community and also prepared me for the challenges ahead; I know what it takes to help pull us out of this pandemic and recession.”

Pierce said, “The job of a state rep is to help people negotiate the bureaucracy of the government when they have a problem,” and he said that’s why it’s really important that he is approachable. As to what makes her a unique candidate, Hepler said, “My combination of teaching experience and local government experience provides a framework for understanding how state government works and how to resolve differences collaboratively, effectively, and fairly. Both jobs offer great lessons in the importance of listening to people.”

Pierce is the chair of the Dresden Planning Board and owns Jeffrey Pierce Restorations and Renovations. He is also an outdoorsman and has been a member of various boards and groups concerning the environment. He said he often takes in cats who are abandoned and fosters them until he can find a new home for them.

Hepler is a professor at the University of Maine at Farmington and has worked in a variety of other professions including steelworker and housebuilder. She enjoys spending time out on the rivers, streams and lakes of Maine in her canoe with husband Rob.