Senator Nancy Sullivan

Inspired to run for office by former House Speaker Libby Mitchell, Senator Sullivan proudly declares her legislative priorities as education, the environment, the economy, and of course, ‘health care, child care, and women’s care.”

Senator Sullivan, 56, is a public school teacher for the Saco School System. Currently she serves as Senate Chair for the Joint Standing Committee on Insurance and Financial Services. She also serves on the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources and the Conduct and Ethics Committee.

“I’ve earned a reputation for being fair. I strive to be a consensus-builder between the political parties and their many views. I believe the people of Maine want to see a higher level of ethical standards than they’ve seen in the past and they want their legislators to work together,” says Senator Sullivan.

When it comes to environmental policy, Senator Sullivan is especially concerned by the federal government's lack of commitment to conservation and a seemingly blatant disregard towards the environmental and scientific communities. Senator Sullivan believes corporations should be in compliance with all environmental laws, as well as repay state assistance if they fail to protect the environment.

Senator Sullivan graduated from Thornton Academy and earned her BS in education from the University of Southern Maine-Gorham. She is a former board member of the Maine Education Association and a former committee chair for the First Parish Congregational Church. She has served on the Biddeford School Board. For Senator Sullivan, a definite highlight of her career was the opportunity to attend the JFK School of Government at Harvard for three weeks as a member of the Senior Executives to State and Local Government Program. "I will always be grateful to the Henry Brooks Foundation for giving me the opportunity to attend. Words can not describe the fantastic experience! Of course, it was interesting being on the "other side of the desk" after so many years," remarked Senator Sullivan.

She is also currently chairing the Task Force to Study Cervical Cancer Prevention, Detection, and Education. Her son, Peter Chandler, has served as Chief of Staff for Congressman Mike Michaud since his election. Prior to that, Peter served as Chief of Staff for both Senate President Mark Lawrence and Senate President Mike Michaud.

Ratings: 6 out 7 score for 2005 from the Maine League of Conservation Voters