ROCKPORT — Democrat Kathleen Meil has announced her candidacy for Maine House District 94, representing Camden, Rockport, and Islesboro. As an energy-efficiency professional, former elementary school teacher, and working mom, Meil knows firsthand the challenges Maine families face everyday, and is dedicated to listening, collaborating, and shaping solutions that help our communities thrive.

"Kathleen has demonstrated great commitment to our community, devoting her time and enthusiasm in many ways," said Tracy Lee Murphy, a member of the Rockport Select Board, in a news release announcing Meil’s run for office. "She's an effective, articulate leader, and it will be great to have her perspective in Augusta."

Camden, Rockport, and Islesboro are currently represented by Joan Welsh, D-Rockport, who is term-limited after eight years of service. Meil is committed to building on Welsh's strong environmental record and to growing Maine's economy through sustainable resource management, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship.

"Climate change and the extreme weather it brings is a real concern, especially in coastal communities like ours. So is our stagnant economy," said Meil, in the release. "Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency addresses both of those critical issues, creating skilled local jobs and reducing climate-changing emissions at the same time."

The confluence between environmental challenge and economic opportunity is of particular interest to Meil, who met recently with Maine's U.S. Representatives and Senators as part of a delegation supporting the Clean Power Plan. She regularly testifies before the Maine Legislature about lowering home heating costs through energy efficiency.

Meil, 39, is an energy-efficiency professional and the mother of two children in the Camden-Rockport school system. She chaired Rockport's Library Committee for four years, served on the board of Midcoast Habitat for Humanity, and is active in the CRES and CRMS communities. Kathleen can be reached at kathleenmeil207@gmail.com.