On the top of David Trahan’ list of goals as he runs for the Senate District 20 seat are fighting to maintain government accountability, establishing a community college in Lincoln County and passing legislation for first responders.
Trahan, having served as House District 50 representative for four consecutive terms, wants to continue his efforts on OPEGA (Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability).
“If elected, I intend to serve on the committee of oversight for OPEGA and I will continue to fight to make sure OPEGA remains the taxpayers’ watchdog,” he said.
Trahan wants to develop a state mandatory reporting system for medical errors. This system would be designed to allow hospitals and physicians to learn from each other’s mistakes, he said.
Trahan recalled a constituent who died at a scene because first responders could not administer Epinephrine. The victim’s widow and Trahan worked to pass legislation allowing first responders to carry the life-saving drug (Epi-pens). He said they also raised the funds to pay for it.
Trahan said he was responsible for the placement of video cameras in the Legislative House. He said he has also sponsored a number of bills for the farm bureau in support of farming issues and also for sports groups such as the Snowmobile Association.
Establishing a community college in Lincoln County ranks highest on Trahan’s list of priorities, if elected as a state senator.
“The issue is, we are losing our young people,” he said.
Trahan believes access to decent education sources leads to growth and increased employment. He said healthcare would be a good place to start.
He said Miles Memorial Hospital has started a small registered nursing school program. As a Lincoln County Heathcare Board member for Miles and St. Andrews Hospitals, Trahan’s hope is to build upon this nursing program.
Trahan said he is already lining up major players in the development of this medical education venture, engaging the office of Sen. Olympia Snowe, hospital administration, and members of the Maine Community College system.
“It may take 10 years, but I believe it’s worth fighting for,” he said, adding education is the key to a good workforce. “Employers are looking for people trained in the field. Without a secondary education, it is very difficult to live.”
Trahan said the Midcoast could be a hub for healthcare professionals. He also said the college could be useful to train people in other professions, such as the marine trades.
On the flip side to his state politics approach, Trahan does not agree with the consolidation of school unions. He said he has been gathering signatures to repeal the new law since before announcing plans to run for state senate.
“We have 60,000 signatures so far,” he said. “That’s 5000 more than necessary,” he said.
Trahan said this number of petition signatures is enough to put the question on the June ballot. “I will be a regular spokesman for the repeal effort,” he said.
Trahan also plans on introducing legislation to restructure the circuit breaker and LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Program) programs. He wants to establish a conservation program within each.
The legislation will look at old, inefficient homes and would prioritize those in worst condition. He said the next step would be winterization and the funding for this legislation is already in place, he said.
“Not only does it save the homeowners money, it also saves taxpayer money,” he said.
Trahan added there could be a serious heating crisis this winter and he would be open to expanding funding, if necessary. He said a good source of that revenue could come from the Rainy Day Fund.
Trahan was born in Waterville, and moved to the Midcoast 25 years ago and met and married Pamela. He owns a small logging business.
Honesty, common sense and frugality are his mantras. “Small business gives you a common sense perspective and if you’re not honest, you won’t make it in that industry,” he said.
