Image of Maureen AuCoin and members of Vision Hallowell, a community group supporting Downtown Hallowell. They are hosting a fundraiser for the Hallowell Fire Department.

Let’s create something meaningful together.

Real change starts with conversations. I am running to represent YOU. That means that I want to know what residents of Manchester, West Gardiner and Hallowell care about the most. Through my work as a City Councilor, I always welcomed hearing from constituents about their challenges so we can bring those forward to find real solutions.

To understand just how to achieve better things for all of us, it’s important to achieve a breadth of understanding and input from all sides of the table. I value collaboration with people of varying view points to get a full picture of how to move ahead to create the best outcomes.

Through my years on Council, I have learned that creating lasting change often requires policy change. Crafting informed, thoughtful and fair legislation can lead to a better future for years to come.

Image of Hallowell following the flood of 2023. It shows the recovery fund Maureen help create and foster to support community members and businesses.

When the Kennebec river breeched the banks and flooded downtown Hallowell, I talked with business owners, residents and workers most effected by the damage. This informed my efforts to create grant funding through the City’s TIF funding; organized a community fundraiser; and rolled up my sleeves to literally help folks clean up the mess left behind. Since then I continue to stay engaged with efforts by the Hallowell Conservation Commission and City Council to find long term solutions to preserve our downtown through climate resiliency initiatives.

My parents instilled in me that bettering your community can happen in so many ways. But the most important thing is to SHOW UP! When Spectrum Generations teamed up with the Cotton Mill to solve the very real problem of keeping our elders cool during hot Maine summers, a group of us showed up to help install air conditioners. Hallowell is fortunate to have a number of folks that also show up wherever there is a need. A huge thank you to the staff, volunteers and organizations that made life a little better for some elders in Hallowell.

It was an honor to celebrate America 250 on July 4th in Hallowell by reading the Declaration of Independence to a crowded City Hall auditorium. As cities and towns across Maine celebrate this important milestone, we honor the words that still resonate today as we continue to pursue independence, equality and freedom for all.