Compiled by Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
District 4 includes the City of Caribou
Peter Edgecomb
District 4 incumbent Representative Peter Edgecomb of Caribou has been representing the city for the past six years, serving in the 122nd, 123rd and 124th legislatures.
His resume includes being a previous Caribou City Councilor, Superintendent of Schools, Vocational Director, and agriculture teacher. He was also an FFA adviser.
Edgecomb feels that the most important issue facing Caribou currently is the loss of small businesses and thus, the loss of jobs. His primary goal if elected is to reduce the size of government and put a freeze on any new taxes or fees.
When asked why voters should vote for him, Edgecomb suggested that voters look at his past performance as a representative.
“I opposed legislation that creates new regulations on business, schools, agriculture and citizens. I have helped constituents recover funds from the State Treasurer when the owner could not be located,” he said. “On many occasions, I have helped Caribou citizens resolve issues with our government.”
“It is rewarding to speak up for the best interest of our community and see positive results,” Edgecomb added. “I do not claim to have all the answers but I will pledge to continue working hard, seeking the facts and will join with others who want to find a better future for our state and its citizens, young and old, employees and employers.”
Edgecomb first decided to run for the House of Representatives because serving in the Legislature and being a voice that truly represents the views and beliefs of the majority of Caribou’s citizens was, and continues to be, a longtime goal of his.
Jessica Feeley
District 4 candidate Jessica Feeley of Caribou firmly believes that voters should have choices. “My opponent ran unopposed in 2008, and thus represented only one side on many issues. While my opponent has served admirably, given the current political climate in our state, I believe that Caribou needs a new voice in Augusta,” she said.
Feeley received her MA in Speech Communication from the University of Maine at Orono in 1983 and a BA in history and political science from UMO in 1979.
She has served as a trustee of the Nylander Museum since 2007, the treasurer of the Caribou Democratic Committee since 2006, a victim advocate for Sexual Assault Services since 2004, pantry coordinator for the Caribou Ecumenical Food Pantry since 2003, a level II official for the Maine Swim Officials Association since 2003, a member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Association since 1998 and was a Make a Difference Award recipient from the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault in 2006.
Feeley was most recently employed part-time at Sitel Corp. while her husband, son and daughter were pursuing academic degrees in the University of Maine system. She held a teaching assistantship while pursuing her master’s degree and also taught public speaking as adjunct faculty at Plymouth State College (now university) in Plymoth, N.H. Feeley was employed as a licensed all-lines claims adjuster/sr. adjuster for Liberty Mutual and as a claims examiner and at ChubbLife America.
The most important issue she feels Caribou is currently facing is “we need jobs that pay a living wage and educated workers to fill those positions.”
If elected, her primary goal will be to make Maine in general and Caribou, in particular, a place where families will want to live and prosper.
Feeley believes that people should vote for her because Caribou needs a legislator who will be progressive in representing our city and its needs.
Feeley has been married to Stephen O’Shaughnessy for 31 years; they have two adult children Patrick J.F. O’Shaughnessy and Micaela C.F. O’Shaughnessy.
