BELFAST – Jayne Crosby Giles of Belfast said in a March 14 news release that she is on the June Primary Ballot for Maine Senate District 11, which covers all of Waldo County.

Giles is a former Maine legislator who served in the House of Representatives representing Belfast, Belmont and Northport as a member of the budget-writing Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.

“It’s official,” she said, in the release. “The Secretary of State’s office has certified me for the ballot. I successfully gathered the maximum allowable number of signatures. While circulating my petitions, I spent a great deal of time visiting constituents. I believe that listening to the concerns of Waldo County voters is the most important thing I can do as a legislator.”  

Giles is a former community banker and small business lender.

More recently, she held the post of CEO of MaineStream Finance, a non-profit bank with a mission to serve low-to-moderate income borrowers living in rural Maine communities.

In 2016, the U.S. Small Business Administration named her as the Financial Services Champion for Maine and New England for her work. She has more than 30 years of banking experience, including senior roles at Camden National Bank and KeyBank. Giles is an active community volunteer serving on the boards of the Waldo County YMCA, Maine Association of Non-Profits and Northeast Delta Dental in Maine. Giles is a member of the Belfast Rotary Club.

“Jayne took the time to listen carefully to our concerns while visiting my husband, Paul and me at our home,” said Nancy Hamilton, a former Belfast City Councilor, in the release. “Waldo County has so many needs. Our conversation ranged from education and retaining our young people to the needs of the elderly, poverty and the drug epidemic. Her care and concern is obvious. Jayne’s years of legislative, banking and nonprofit experience give her a unique insight into the needs of our neighbors.”

Giles is on a 16-week “Jayne’s Listening” tour of Waldo County.

“I am visiting families, farmers, veterans, businesses, schools and town offices. I want to hear first-hand the needs of Waldo County residents,” said Giles. “Through these one-on-one conversations I am learning how to best serve Waldo County in the Maine Senate. I encourage folks to contact me for a visit.”

Senate District 11 is currently represented by Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) who is unable to run for the seat again due to term limits.

Senator Thibodeau said in the release: “I had the pleasure of serving with Jayne Giles in the Legislature previously. She is a dedicated legislator who works effectively across party lines to get things done. I cannot think of a better person to represent Waldo County in the Maine Senate.” 

Jayne Crosby Giles lives in Belfast with her husband, Mike. They have three children and two grandchildren. To learn more about the Jayne for Maine campaign call 207-944-0380 or email jayneformaine@gmail.com. Giles is running as a Maine Clean Elections candidate and is on Facebook at Jayne Giles for Maine Senate.