State Rep. Marc Malon shares the concerns he’s heard while listening to voters, and says serving them requires much more than loud rhetoric and campaign slogans

By MARC MALON | Maine House Dist. 133 candidate

A woman in her 70s on Guinea Road is worried about heating her home. A man in his 40s is worried about the safety of his wife, an immigrant. A moderate Republican in west Biddeford believes Trump is out of control. A working couple in their thirties are worried about losing their health insurance due to federal cuts to Affordable Care Act subsidies.

An older resident on May Street wants to downsize, but even though he could sell his house for a favorable price there aren’t enough affordable options for him to downsize to. A family worries about needles on the Eastern Trail. A young woman who worked with Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero wants justice for his murder. Everyone knows property taxes are too high.

These stories come from the most important thing I have done in this campaign: knocking on doors and listening to Biddeford voters. You learn about the lived experiences of your constituents this way, from their struggles to their aspirations, from the gardens they tend to the classic cars they work on, from their kids playing in the yard to their adorable dogs.

When you take time to listen to people, you understand that no problem is too big or too small. Most people do not expect a legislator to solve everything for them. But I can connect them with an agency. I can contact Biddeford Public Works to let them know about a dangerous intersection. I can brainstorm policy changes.

Nobody is owed a seat in the Maine House of Representatives. I believe politicians should earn your vote, which is why I have mounted a vigorous campaign to get my message out. I am glad that this year voters have a choice, and the choice between Marc Lessard and me is clear (even though we both have excellent first names).

While my opponent touts his years on the City Council (and I respect his service), I am the only candidate who understands the Legislature and how it can be used to lift up all Mainers.

While my opponent touts his
years on the City Council, I
am the only candidate who
understands the Legislature and
how it can be used to lift up all Mainers.

— Marc Malon

My experience comes not only from my time in office, but from years working as a staffer in both the legislative and executive branches. I know how to work with others – including stakeholders who do not always see eye to eye. I know when to take a bold stand on my own. The endgame is always the same: to help people as much as I can.

I understand the policy landscape we face, from the state budget (which is in balance) to the need to meet our housing goals and fight addiction and homelessness. I believe it is critical to regulate AI and data centers, while my opponent uses AI to take strange potshots at me on Facebook.

I also understand that the Trump Administration poses a threat to our livelihoods and our freedoms. It is imperative that the Legislature protect abortion rights, LGBTQ+ Mainers, our public health infrastructure, workers in all industries, and the most vulnerable members of our communities. I am clear on where I stand on these issues while my opponent has ignored them.

My opponent speaks loudly but vaguely about spending and makes pronouncements like “I will be the wall.” Respectfully, we don’t need more walls in Augusta. We need bridges and I am a bridge-builder.

Bridges like the General Wallace Nutting Memorial Bridge bring people and communities together. They also protect us, like when Biddeford residents stood at the end of the bridge to prevent the Klan from entering to attack French-speaking Catholic immigrants.

When I enter the State House, I take with me every conversation I have ever had with the people of Biddeford. I feel the responsibility of the position you have hired me for. We won’t always agree, but I will always listen.

With tremendous gratitude for the opportunity to serve, I ask for your vote on November 3.

Marc Malon | Biddeford

ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford) is serving his second term in the Maine House of Representatives and is running for re-election. To learn more about his campaign, please visit marcmalon.com. He can be reached at marc@marcmalon.com.

NOTE: The Biddeford Gazette has offered each local legislative candidate the opportunity to submit two columns prior to Election Day, Nov. 3. These are published in the order they are received. Mr. Malon’s first column was published on Sept. 14

The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Biddeford Gazette, its staff, affiliates or sponsors. We encourage robust and diverse community conversations on topics related to the city of Biddeford. To submit your own letter or column, please CONTACT US