Diane Denk
KENNEBUNK — Democrat Diane Denk of Kennebunk emerged the winner over Republican Roger Seavey of Cape Porpoise to be the new representative for House District 9.
House District 9 includes part of Biddeford and Kennebunk as well as Kennebunkport. The seat was open as House District 9 Rep. Stedman Seavey did not run for reelection.
She won the majority of votes in all three municipalities included in HD 9, and was the victor earning a total of 2,826 votes over Seavey’s 1,984.
Although this will be Denk’s first time as an elected state representative, the teacher and tutor is not new to politics. Her experience includes being Maine’s Democratic National committeewoman; a board member of The Center for Seniors, Kennebunk; a member of the Maine Democratic Committee; chair of York County Democrats; and chair of Democrats of the Kennebunks and Arundel. She is a two-time presidential elector, was a delegate to Democratic National Convention three times and was a former secretary of the NAACP.
Prior to the election, Denk answered a number of questions regarding her views on issues that effect Mainers.
Regarding gun violence, Denk said, “the easy access with which anyone of any criminal background or any level of mental stability can obtain firearms is a large contributor to gun violence.” There must be safeguards to prevent criminals and the mentally from buying guns but allow gun access to hunters and collectors who are respectful owners, she said.
About health care, she said, “much of the rising cost of health care the state must bear is due to those who are uninsured and cannot afford routine wellness and diagnostic treatment for initial symptoms and problems. These people seek treatment in the ER and Urgent Care and the costs are much higher. As a Medicare recipient, I was recently given a full wellness visit by a nurse practitioner who identified a few minor issues and made solid recommendations to prevent future costly treatment.” Better and lower cost health care is important for Mainers’ health and economic well being, she said.
To lure high paying jobs to Maine and retain younger workers, Denk said, “as I teacher, I believe the role of commerce and industry is closely intertwined with education. Students should be afforded many opportunities such as apprenticeships, work-study, and other methods of exposure prior to graduation from high school and not after attending expensive universities or training programs.” Tax breaks are one way to attract businesses, she said. “Another method of growing corporations is through Green Tariffs which offer sustainability or renewable energy incentives. Maine is ideally suited to do this through wind, solar, and off-shore hydropower.”
She was the right choice to represent the residents of House District 9, Denk said, because “I have always cared deeply about my community and about my country. I have always looked out for the ‘little guy.’ …. I grew up in a bipartisan household with strong Democratic parents and a good GOP grandmother. We all had respectful interactions and found common ground. I believe I can work well with those of other parties in finding solutions which will help Mainers. I further believe I can learn and grow and help Maine become a stronger state which attracts businesses, research and development, and exciting, innovative people.”
— Associate Editor Dina Mendros can be contacted at 780-9014, or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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