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.

[Top of Page]