State House 131 race

Democrat incumbent Lori Gramlich and Republican Scott Eccleston are vying for the State House 131 seat, covering Old Orchard Beach.

 Lori Gramlich, 61, is married with an adult daughter.

Gramlich has served three terms as a state representative. She also served on the Portland School Board and was the communications director for a prior Senate president.

Gramlich has served as vice president of Friends of the Ballpark, Incorporator for the Sweetser Board of Directors and Community Friendly Connection Food Drive Meal Distribution coordinator and volunteer. She has also volunteered with the Old Orchard Beach Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Ride, Old Orchard Beach Parks and Recreation Rock the Park Music Series, Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce Annual Car Show, Old Orchard Beach Harvest Fest, and Ocean Park Association Spring Clean-up.

She said she has a “proven track record in working collaboratively in a bi-partisan manner to advance policies that affect our town, namely legislation that protects our beaches and shoreline.” She said she has experience leveraging relationships with key decision makers both in Maine and on the national level to secure FEMA funding for storm relief efforts. She said she has an “outstanding” relationship with both the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Old Orchard Beach town manager.

She said she is a licensed master social worker with proficiency in process and procedures in state government, and has lived experience with food insecurity. She also describes herself as an “eternal optimist with a positive attitude and determination.”

If re-elected, Gramlich said her top priorities would be assuring older Mainers can affordably age in place with the supports needed through targeted property tax relief, protecting the environment - namely beaches and shoreline, and children's mental health.

 Scott Eccleston did not respond to media requests. He unsuccessfully ran for the state house two years ago, and said he was a Vietnam-era veteran, a college graduate, and a retired operating room nurse. His volunteer experience includes serving as a board member of the Old Orchard Beach Historical Society and director of the Lisa Huntress Memorial Pet Food Pantry.

In 2022, Eccleston said, if elected, tax relief, addressing food insecurity and healthcare would be among his top priorities.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.