Party affiliation:
Democratic
Social media accounts:
Facebook: Elect Karen Montell for District 54
Website: Montellforthehouse.com
Occupation:
Small business owner (former legislative employee)
Education:
Gardiner Area High School, University of Maine, Barbizon School of Modeling (satellite school)
Community Organizations:
Community organizations I have been involved in include: Gardiner Recycling Committee, Gardiner Elementary PTA (past co-president), Project Graduation, Temple Beth El (board member), Coordinated Campaign (office manager), Governor Advisory Board (appointee) Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment, Kennebec-Somerset Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council, and Student Senate.
Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
I enjoy buying, selling and collecting antiques. I love traveling with my family, cooking, gardening, reading biographies and books about health. I like meeting new people, socializing with friends, engaging in physical fitness, like hiking, working out, playing golf, and taking long walks with my dog, especially at the beach.
Family status:
Married (Donald Brown), two adult children (Garrett & Eliana)
Years in the Legislature: None as an elected official, but am a former staffer
Committee assignments (if elected):
Environment & Natural Resources and Veterans & Legal Affairs are my preferred committees.
Q&A
1) Define what “success” would look like if you are elected to serve your district.
Success would be more citizens engaged in the political process, having worked together to find solutions to the challenges Maine people face. Thoughtful and sound policy crafted in the best interest of the Maine people because of respectful conversations and common sense approaches.
People would be accepted for who they are, and have affordable access to broad educational opportunities and (comprehensive) healthcare, including mental health. Food supply, including access & availability would be addressed so that our most vulnerable Mainers need not experience food insecurity. These fundamental needs would mean all Mainers would have the ability to thrive, and become contributing members of their community, fostering relationships with their neighbors, supporting the local business economy and have a vested interest in their community’s success.
Pragmatic measures would be in place to preserve and protect our environment now, and for the future generations. Our citizens would be educated and our businesses involved to protect our natural resources here in Maine, where so many of us love to call home.
2) Characterize your view on public access to governmental business.
Maine citizens gain access to governmental business when they choose to become involved in the legislative process, whether it be from helping to craft policy or holding elected leaders accountable. When citizens take a vested interest in their government, they get a front row seat to see how government works!
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