- STATE REPRESENTATIVE MEREDITH STRANG BURGESS -
ANNOUNCES RE-ELECTION BID
(Cumberland, ME 5/14/08) - State Representative Meredith Strang Burgess of Cumberland announces
her re-election bid for the Maine Legislature. Strang Burgess is the state representative for House
Seat #108, representing Cumberland, Chebeague Island, Long Island and part of North Yarmouth.
In the legislature, Rep. Strang Burgess has been a strong advocate for creating a more business friendly
climate while maintaining Maine's clean environment. In fact, Strang Burgess has agreed to run for a
second term in the Maine House of Representatives because, she said, "I feel it is imperative that
Augusta hear from Maine small business owners."
In 2007, the Maine Economic Research Institute (MERI) ranked her as a "very strong" legislator for
championing positions on economic and business legislation. Additionally, the League of Conservation
Voters gave her highest marks for her support of policies protecting Maine's environment. "I believe
that it is possible to have a strong business record while supporting our quality of place. Maine is
unique in its entrepreneurial spirit, plus, the natural beauty that surrounds us is intrinsic to our wellbeing
personally and professionally," Strang Burgess said.
Serving on the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs, Strang Burgess started her
term working on the school consolidation bill. "The school consolidation issue quickly became the issue
in Augusta. This by no means was the only issue that the Education Committee addressed, but was by
far the most contentious to come before our committee. I was proud to work on so many issues that
affect our children and our schools. I was also honored to be appointed to the Commission to Develop
a Strategic Priorities Plan for Maine's Young Children. The Commission was able to make strategic longterm
recommendations to the full Legislature in support of Maine's kids," said Strang Burgess.
As a breast cancer survivor, a personal passion of Rep. Strang Burgess is raising awareness of breast
cancer. During the 123rd Legislature, she sponsored and successfully guided to passage a bill to establish
a breast cancer awareness license plate. Proceeds for the new plate will go to support various breast
cancer services and programs in Maine.
In 2008, Strang Burgess did not support the Governor's supplemental budget and proposed cuts to
make up the state's $190 million shortfall. "It was filled with many one-time fixes and did not address
the structural changes to Maine State Government that are needed and that have put us in our current
position," said Strang Burgess.
Strang Burgess, the third generation in her family to serve in the Maine State Legislature, is the CEO of
Burgess Advertising & Marketing, headquartered in Portland, Maine and has been a leader in Portland's
business community. She is a past member of the Maine Republican State Committee and the
Cumberland County Republican Committee. She is a long-standing member of the Town of Cumberland
Republican Committee and has volunteered for numerous local, state and national campaigns. She
served as First District Co-Chair for the Olympia Snowe Re-Election Campaign in 2006.
Strang Burgess is a past recipient of the 2007 Maine Cancer Foundation's Carroll Award for extraordinary
efforts to advance the path to a cancer free future; in 2006, named to the Junior Achievement of
Maine Business Hall of Fame; the 2003 Jefferson Award; the 2002 Cure Breast Cancer for ME Spirit of
Life Award; the 2001 Adult Good Samaritan Real Hero Award from the American Red Cross. She is the
immediate Past President of the Maine Cancer Foundation and of the University of Maine Board of
Visitors. She is active in genealogy and has served on the Board of the Maine Historical Society.
A native of Camden, Meredith lives in Cumberland with her three sons, Christopher, Matthew and
Andrew and her fiancé, Doug Stewart.
AUGUSTA 2 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 207-287-1440 800-423-2900 | RESIDENCE
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