Stephan M. Bunker, D-Farmington

Occupation: Retired educator & first responder

Education: AA-Law Enf Technology, SMCC; BS-Criminal Justice, USM; MEd-Adult Education, UMO

Community Organizations: American Legion Post 28, BPOE-Elks, Rotary International, Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Farmington Downtown Business Assoc., Farmington Historical Society, Travis Mills Veterans Foundation, Wilton Fish & Game Club, Franklin County Firefighters Association. Charter member, Maine Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Committee.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.): Gardening, trap shooting, travel, antiques, boating, fishing, hiking, community activities, volunteer firefighter. National Firefighter Cancer Support Network trainer & peer counselor.

Family status: Married

Years in the Legislature: None; 35 Years as Town Selectman

Committee assignments (if elected): If elected, would enjoy appointment to Criminal Justice & Public Safety, State & Local Government or Energy, Utilities & Technology committees.

Q&A

1) Define what “success” would look like if you are elected to serve your district.

Be a catalyst to greater civility in the State House, compromise between factions in order to move legislation through the House. More transparency in the legislative process, allowance for adequate advance timing to provide public attendance at hearings and work sessions. Reduction in ill-defined “placeholder” bills that appear late in the session with little advanced notice.

2) Name one issue the Legislature handled last session. Explain why you agree or disagree with the final outcome.

Hard to identify only one. The passage of the Family Paid Medical Leave Act was a good first step toward supporting families faced with arrival of new-born, adoptions, sickness of family members. However the legislation, via DOL, is yet to produce administrative rules that will actually govern its implementation. Remains to be seen exactly what the impact may be upon employers, businesses, as it affects their struggling workforces and higher operational expenses. I agree with the program, but await the outcome, final details.

OPPONENT: Randall Gauvin, R-Farmington