Dustin Ward, U-New Gloucester

Social media accounts: @vote_forward

Occupation: Racial Equity and Reconciliation Advocate

Education: B.A., Political Science, and Master of Divinity

Community Organizations: Chair of New Gloucester Select Board; Vice Chair, board of SeniorsPlus; president of board of directors, Atlantic Black Box

Personal information (hobbies, etc.): Basketball and golf are my two passion sports.

Family status: Married

Years in the Legislature: None

Committee assignments (if elected): If elected I would look to be on the Appropriations or Education and Cultural Affairs,

Q&A

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

A Maine where progress, unity, and innovation guide our path forward. Success is where we can better embrace the richness of our diverse lived experiences, uphold the health and well-being of every resident through environmental sustainability, economic justice, and social equality, where education opens doors to opportunity for all, where healthcare is a right not a privilege, and where every community, from our bustling cities to our rural landscapes, thrives in harmony.

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

An effort was taken to look at increasing the minimum teacher salary; and while the level of $50,000 was considered and got party way to the finish line, I propose we need to pay our teachers more, sustain and improve on the 55% state funding for public education, and consider our funding formulas so that we can assist with aging schools and buildings throughout the state.

OPPONENTS: Bettyann Sheets, D-Auburn; Bruce Bickford, R-Auburn