Ginette Rivard, a Democrat, has announced her candidacy for Maine House District 149, representing Caribou, New Sweden and Westmanland in the 2016 General Election of November 8th.
The legislative seat is currently held by Rep. Carol McElwee (R-Caribou).
A resident of Caribou, Rivard recently retired from the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services, where her work focused on children and youth with developmental needs and their families. She proved to be a strong advocate for this population for over 20 years.
In 2009, Governor John Baldacci appointed Rivard to the Maine Workers’ Compensation Board of Directors and her nomination was confirmed by the Senate. She served in this capacity for nearly four years.In addition, Rivard has served as the elected leader of a statewide organization focused on working families and retired workers. In this capacity, she spent countless hours at the Legislature advocating for issues such as fair treatment of retirees, and fighting against cuts in revenue sharing to name a few examples.
Rivard holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Fort Kent and a certificate of graduate studies in non-profit management from the University of Southern Maine Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service. She is also a graduate of the Rockwood Leadership Institute.
Rivard grew up in a small rural community in a working class family. Her father owned and operated a small business, and her mother was a stay-at-home mom caring for five girls. Her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic which continues to serve her to this day.
Representative Bob Saucier of Presque Isle has endorsed Rivard. “Ginette has always worked tirelessly for workers’ rights and their livelihood,” he said.
Rivard says that “serving in the Legislature is a privilege afforded by the voters in the district. I place a high value on doing what it takes to get the job done and look forward to taking this commitment to Augusta on behalf of the citizens of these communities.”
Rep. Roland Danny Martin, District 150 and a former resident of Caribou states: “We need more honest, hard-working people like Ginette representing The County in Augusta. I’ve seen first-hand how committed she is to improving the lives of Mainers. She is a resourceful, effective voice for the needs of families, veterans, the elderly and workers. She is a strong voice for you.”
Rivard looks forward to meeting with voters in the district between now and the November 8th General Election.
