Chesterville, Jay, New Sharon; Somerset County, Mercer, Starks

Name: Angela Courchesney

Age: 21

Political Party: Republican

Residence: Jay

Employment: Hannaford, Farmington

Education: Jay High School; currently a senior at the University of Maine at Farmington

Political experience: Women's outreach coordinator for UMF College Republicans for two years; vice-chairwoman for the College Republicans for three semesters; currently executive director for the State of Maine College Republican chapter; worked on several state campaigns over the past five years; currently a senator and sports commissioner, UMF Student Senate

Name: Paul Gilbert

Age: 64

Political Party: Democrat

Residence: Jay

Employment: Retired, Job Service Manager, CareerCenter, East Wilton

Education: B.A., geography, University of Maine at Farmington

Political experience: Served 12 years on the Jay School Committee; two years, Jay selectman; served 20 years on regional and town economic development committees and currently on Jay Economic Development Committee. Former treasurer for Jay Democrats and Franklin County Democrats; serves on the state Democratic Committee.

1. What can you, as a state legislator, do to help people struggling this year with the high cost of gas and oil?

COURCHESNEY: As state legislators, we would need to suspend the automatic tax increases already tied to the cost of gasoline; reform the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program to offer a standard state tax deduction for homeowners based on income, and continue to help those that already qualify for assistance.

COURCHESNEY: As state legislators, we would need to suspend the automatic tax increases already tied to the cost of gasoline; reform the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program to offer a standard state tax deduction for homeowners based on income, and continue to help those that already qualify for assistance.

GILBERT: Winter is just around the corner and time is short. Many residents still do not know that some help is available for those struggling with high heating costs. State agencies and community organizations that receive state funds should be required to be proactive in informing Maine residents about the available help with heating bills. Churches, civic groups and the media should also join in this effort."

2. How would you handle the biggest issues facing the towns in your district?

COURCHESNEY: "I would definitely look for ways to bring businesses in that offer better-paying jobs. I am very concerned about the shrinking middle class. America is great because we have such a large middle class but 20 fast-food jobs do not replace one paper mill job that can create at least five other good-paying jobs in the state."

GILBERT: "After visiting more the 3,000 homes in the district, I can say health care, energy and the economy are the biggest issues. School consolidation is also a priority because it will affect children, taxpayers and school personnel. I represent Jay on the Regional Consolidation Committee and am working hard for my community to make this a fair deal for all."

3. Do you have any plans that would result in more jobs for Maine?

COURCHESNEY: "Maine needs to lower taxes. When businesses look to relocate to New England, they often choose New Hampshire where there is no state income tax or sales tax. Money is wasted here luring the MBNAs of the world and could be better invested in start-up companies and in micro-business loans for people already here."

GILBERT: "Workers need to have access to jobs that pay a living wage and better job opportunities can be developed in Maine. With more than 30 years in private and public sector management, most of that spent helping good workers connect with good employers, I know an educated and skilled workforce is a catalyst for attracting good jobs. We need to pay attention to our education system from pre-school through graduate school."

4. What do you think of the beverage-tax repeal on the November ballot?

COURCHESNEY: "I support the people's voice to repeal the beverage tax because it is just another burdensome tax on Maine citizens."

GILBERT: "Twenty percent of Maine's children have no health care coverage. We should not be comfortable with that situation. The choice is to avoid a few cents tax on a beverage or provide affordable health care for 18,000 Maine residents. I choose affordable health care and will vote 'No on #1'."

5. Would you support legislation to change the income tax or sales tax?

COURCHESNEY: "Yes. Both need to be lowered to compete in a global marketplace, especially now with gas prices soaring and an already-stressed economy stretched even more."

GILBERT: "Yes."

6. What's the biggest social issue facing the state in the next two years?

COURCHESNEY: "Adequate paying jobs. If we can't offer employment in this state to support our young people and growing families, the economy will continue to decline."