Local Spotlight: Marc Malon

It might surprise you to know that the current Party Affairs Director for the Maine Democrat Party was once hoping a Republican would win his bid for the White House.

“I was a kid, it was 1988 and I simply thought it would be pretty cool if someone who lived in Kennebunkport became president,” laughed State Rep. Marc Malon of Biddeford. “One, I didn’t realize he (George H.W. Bush) really wasn’t a year-round resident, and I was really too young to be committed to any political party.”

Malon, 40, won his first elected office last year, becoming Biddeford’s newest state representative, representing the downtown and western portion of the city. He was born and raised in the city, the eldest of two children. His father, a well-known chiropractor.

After graduating from Cheverus High School in 2001, Malon attended American University in Washington D.C., where he earned both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in political science.

Today, he and his wife, Jennifer, live on Guinea Road in Biddeford and are raising two daughters.

We caught up with Malon last week and asked him about his gig as a state representative, about his job with the Maine Democrat Party, and what he sees as the biggest issues facing Biddeford.

I’ll bet that a lot of people often mispronounce your name?

(Laughs) “Yeah, that happens a lot, like 75 percent of the time. (Laughs) “It’s Malon like an eagle’s talon, not like a beauty salon (Laughs). It really infuriates my daughter, and I told her she needs to let it go, otherwise she’s going to be mad for a long time. (Laughs)”

Considering your education, your job and being a state representative, you invested a lot of your time and money into politics. Have you always been sort of a political junkie or policy wonk?

“I think it all goes back to my parents when I was growing up. They talked a lot about current events and the news was pretty much always on. They had strong political beliefs, but they didn’t push me or my sister in any certain political direction.

“If you asked either of them for their opinion, they would share it with you, but they never forced any ideology or opinion on us, even though they were both very civic minded and voting was important to them. My mother always said if you don’t vote then you can’t complain.”

 You have been professionally employed by the Maine Democrat Party for several years. Do you consider that as a conflict of interest since you are also an elected state legislator?

“That’s a good question. Before I decided to even put my name out there as a candidate, I went to the State Ethics Commission for an opinion. Their opinion was that I could do both. To a certain extent, almost everyone in a citizen legislature faces the same concerns. For example, can farmers objectively serve on the Agriculture Committee and so forth.

“I think my professional experience and time working in the State House as a private citizen actually benefits my constituents. When I got elected, I already knew my way around and understood the procedures.

“My employer does not lobby me on any issue that comes before us. I think they know, and I hope my constituents know, that if it ever came down to it, I would choose my constituents over my job.”

“Is it difficult maintaining a work-life balance when you’re a member of the Legislature?

“Yes, it can be challenging. My wife and I talked about this a lot before I decided to run. It has a big impact on her and my daughters. I feel very fortunate to be able to serve, and it’s not easy for people in my age group to run for public office.

“There are a lot of late nights, marathon sessions and very early mornings. Most people in my age group are working full-time jobs, have young families and many other commitments. It is not easy, but it is very rewarding.”

It seems like there is a lot of deep tension between the two major parties today. You work for one of those parties. Does that hinder your ability to work across the proverbial aisle?

“I don’t think so. If you want to get anything done; if you want to be effective for all of your constituents, you have to be willing and able to work well with others, some of whom may not share your point of view.

“Bottom line, I understand why someone who is not a Democrat is going to look at me with a certain amount of mistrust. That goes with the territory, but, again, most of the time people from both parties figure out pretty quickly how to work respectfully with each other. We may have different opinions, but I think the vast majority of people – on both sides of the aisle – ultimately want what is best for the people of Maine.”

You welcome criticism and less than glowing feedback from your constituents who don’t agree with your political views.

“Absolutely. I don’t care who you are. I want to hear from you. If you reach out to me, you deserve my attention and my response. I want people to reach out. I cannot guarantee a result that you want, but I can guarantee that I will listen and carefully consider your concerns, especially if it’s something that points to a systemic problem in state government.”

What, in your opinion, is the biggest issue facing Biddeford?

“Housing. There’s no question in my mind. It’s not just a Biddeford issue, it’s an issue all over Maine, all over the country and around the globe. We simply cannot afford to live in a community where the same people who work in that community cannot afford to live there.

“Whether it’s issues surrounding the unhoused, rising rental costs or the inability of people being able to afford a starter home, it’s a complex issue and yes, the state cannot leave local communities to fend for themselves. This has to be our number one focus. Housing connects so many other issues, and this crisis is not limited to any geographic boundaries.”

You’re about halfway through your first two-year term as a state representative. Will you seek a second term in 2024?

“Yes. I’ve already filed the paperwork. I mean, something could always happen, but from where I’m sitting right now, I do think that I will be seeking a second term. It’s very rewarding work.

Randy Seaver can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com.