political issues
& goals
Joann Austin has a strong commitment to small business.
Small business comprises the vast majority of our State's
economic base. Her interest is in supporting owners and employees
working together to foster Maine's economic health.
"This is the first time in Maine's history that our
State is not an 'economic backwater.' This is because of the
increase in electronic commerce, which knows no boundaries,"
Joann Austin states. "I strongly support the economic
development that will grow new Internet-related businesses
and jobs."
Maine's changing communities and our threatened environment
have Joann Austin's full attention. "The traditions
that radiate from the village center of each community,"
she says, "add value to our lives here. We need to
protect what is best about our communities while working to
fulfill our future goals.
Attention should be paid to preserving our rich heritage
of rural agriculture as we move into the "global economy."
As in Augusta and Winslow, this is also true in China and
Vassalboro. How businesses situate in our communities and
how information reaches us locally will shape our communities
for good . . . or for ill."
A year ago, Joann Austin was instrumental in saving The
Town Line newspaper, which provides local news in China,
Vassalboro, Winslow and other nearby towns. This was an
example of her numerous efforts to sustain local institutions
that carry forward the community's traditions. Another
example of her commitment to our communities is her active
involvement in the Oak Grove School Foundation, which annually
reviews and funds educational projects throughout Central
Maine.
As President of the Oak Grove Board, she was instrumental
in initiating development of the old Oak Grove School campus
into the State's new Criminal Justice Academy. "The Academy
means more jobs with local growth and is a example of what
I want to continue to facilitate," she says.
"Issues that affect Veterans and the elderly
as well as affordable health care have become more
pressing," Austin states. "The crucial services
provided by Togus Veterans Hospital are now imperiled. Social
Security and Veterans benefits need to be protected. Current
proposals to tax retirement income or to exempt it
from taxation should get closer scrutiny so that the
elderly are not harmed. While having a balanced budget is
not a currently a 'hot topic,' I feel that this is the basic
question in good government, just as it is for a family managing
its finances," Joann Austin declares.
Joann Austin has been a Selectman in the Town of China
for a total of ten years. Her recent reelection as Selectman
was prompted by her strong concern for our schools. "It
is critical to maintain a balance between our children's needs
and our property taxes & school budgets," Austin
affirms. Her background in finance and taxes is expressed
in her relatively conservative spending practices. Her three
years' experience as a high school teacher reinforces a keen
perspective on education and budget.
Joann Austin has practiced law in South China for twenty-one
years. She chose to open her law practice in a small town
rather than in Augusta or Waterville. She did this because
of her commitment to providing legal services that are more
accessible and friendly. Her general practice has been compared
to that of a country doctor, including long hours and house
calls.
Joann Austin's law firm
has focused on small business & financial planning, tax
issues, real estate and family & elder law. "As a
lawyer, I have been using the Maine statutes for years. This
has given me a clear understanding of how Maine's state government
affects our lives. Many times I have felt that changing the
law would better serve individuals and communities."
Joann Austin is the fifth
generation to live in the Town of China. She has a
son, Tarn Petty, and is a proud and actively involved grandmother.
She is a member of the East Vassalboro Grange, had a small
farm and raised sheep for many years. She designed her own
energy-efficient home overlooking China Lake. Her grandparents
sent their eight children to college from their family farm
in South China, Maine.
District 15 covers the whole of Augusta,
China,
Vassalboro and the
south and east three-quarters of Winslow,
Maine.
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