Democrat incumbent Traci Gere is being challenged by independent candidate Allen Daggett, a veteran member of the Kennebunkport Board of Selectmen

By RANDY SEAVER | Editor

Rep. Traci Gere is hoping for a fourth consecutive term in the Maine House of Representatives, and she is being challenged for that seat by Allen Daggett, a longtime member of the Kennebunkport Board of Selectmen.

House District 134 includes the towns of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Biddeford’s coastal neighborhoods.

. . .

Gere, a Democrat, describes the district as “the coast with the most,” and says her experience and her willingness to “show up for her constituents” makes her the right choice for voters on Nov. 3.

But Daggett, an independent candidate, says Augusta needs new leadership and a return to common sense. He’s hoping his reputation as a selectman and local business owner will give him the edge when voters decide who should represent the coastal district.

Daggett, 75, has served 21 years on the Kennebunkport Board of Selectmen. He is a wholesale lobster dealer and owns the Chowder House restaurant in Kennebunkport.

Daggett, a Kennebunkport native, said the town “has been good to me” and he wants to continue giving back to his community. “I think I can help the state,” he said. “I’ve knocked on almost 1,000 doors, and I’m hearing a lot of people say it’s time for a change, and some old-fashioned common sense.”

Gere, 62, is a professional consultant who lives in Kennebunkport. She was first elected in 2020 and today serves as House Chair of the Legislature’s Joint Housing and Economic Development Committee.

“I am a proven leader with the experience to tackle our challenges,” Gere said, pointing to her six-year legislative track record and her private sector business experience.

“I have co-chaired two legislative committees, and I’ve spent over 35 years working in business and economic development,” Gere said. “During my six years in the Legislature, I have focused on helping people build good lives in Maine.”

Daggett, however, says there seems to be a growing disconnect between state leaders and the communities they represent.

“To me, it seems that a representative should bring back ideas and keep residents updated about what is happening and how they are planning to vote,” Daggett said.

Gere, however, points out that Daggett chose not to attend an Oct. 1 candidate forum held in Biddeford.

“I show up for my constituents,” Gere said. “My track record is clear and consistent. I believe that a legislator has the responsibility to attend community events, forums and meetings – and to respond to individual concerns in a straightforward manner.”

On the issues

. . .

Both candidates described affordable housing as a primary issue facing Maine.

In fact, Gere says the lack of affordable housing opportunities along southern Maine’s coastline is one of the primary reasons why she first decided to run for public office six years ago.

“It’s virtually impossible for first-time homebuyers to find housing they can afford in many southern Maine communities,” Gere said.

“Our area needs more housing for seniors who wish to downsize and stay in our community and for young families and people who seek to deepen or put down roots here,” she added.

“It’s virtually impossible
for first-time homebuyers
to find housing they can afford”

— Rep. Traci Gere

Daggett says the state is tying the hands of local communities, making it harder for local governments to create options that best meet their specific needs and goals.

Specifically, Daggett points to LD 1829, a state law enacted last year that requires local communities to adhere to new housing development standards, including setbacks, accessory dwelling units and minimum lot sizes.

Daggett describes the new law as government overreach, saying the state is taking away a local town’s ability to govern its own community.

“Apparently, the state doesn’t think we can take care of ourselves,” Daggett said, pointing out that the Kennebunkport Board of Selectmen created a non-profit trust six years ago and has already donated 12 home lots.

“LD 1829 is going to create more unintended impacts on everything from sewer systems and traffic to an added layer of administrative red tape,” he said.

“Apparently, the state
doesn’t think we can
take care of ourselves.”

— Allen Daggett

Gere describes herself as “a leader on housing issues,” and points to several housing related bills she has worked on during this last legislative session, including LD 1082, a bill she co-sponsored.

Gere strongly supported LD 1082, a bill sponsored by Biddeford State Rep. Ryan Fecteau, which is designed to increase funding for affordable housing by changing the real estate tax on transactions of more than $1 million. Gere also points to LD 546, a bill she sponsored to streamline and accelerate the construction of housing.

Gere was also the lead sponsor of LD 916, which provides incentives and more flexibility to support middle-income housing development.

Both Daggett and Gere said Maine communities must be innovative to ensure that young people can afford to live in the same place where they grew up.

“We want and need kids in our school system,” Daggett said. “Without kids, you don’t have a town. Right now, buying a home in this area is beyond the reach of too many people, including my own children.”

Gere echoed Daggett’s concerns about the ability of younger Mainers to put down roots in southern Maine.

“I have lived here for 19 years, and raised my two children here,” Gere said. “I want young families to have the same ability – to raise their children and contribute as community members.

“This next generation is essential for keeping our towns vibrant,” she said.

Daggett points to declining education test scores and increasing taxes as symptoms of leadership that has been too focused on politics and out of touch with the needs of their constituents.

“There’s no balance,” Daggett said, pointing out that the Democratic Party has had control of both the Legislature and the Blaine House for several years. “Spending is just increasing, and we’re being taxed to death. People are tired of one party holding all the control.”

But Gere says her record shows that she is able to work across the political aisle, and deliver results that matter to her constituents.

“Legislating is a team sport,” Gere said. “I know how to get results that improve the lives of Maine people.”

Gere says she is proud of her efforts in supporting legislation that “improves access to education and job training, returning state revenue sharing to municipalities and supporting business growth and innovation that creates jobs and opportunities.”

Daggett says as an independent he will not be beholden to any political party.

“I am old enough to remember Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neil,” Daggett said, recalling the mid-1980s when a Republican president and a Democratic Speaker forged a bipartisan relationship to advance key legislation. “We need that same cooperation and compromise today,” he added.

Gere said she is supporting fellow Democrat Hannah Pingree to become Maine’s next governor.

Daggett, who is running as an independent, said he will be supporting Republican candidate Bobby Charles to be Maine’s next governor.

CORRECTION | An earlier version of this story indicated that Allen Daggett is a native of Odessa, Texas. In fact, Mr. Daggett is a Kennebunkport native who earned his college degree in Odessa, Texas. The story also mistakenly identified the House District as 135, when it is 134. These were reporting errors, and we apologize for any confusion they may have caused.