CRAVEN SWORN IN TO MAINE STATE SENATE

“Grateful to the people of Lewiston”

AUGUSTA—Margaret Craven of Lewiston was sworn in to the Maine Senate at the State House in Augusta today. Senator Craven was elected to her third term in the State Senate in November, after serving three terms, six years, in the Maine House of Representatives.

“I am so grateful to the people of Lewiston for their faith in me,” said Senator Craven. “I have heard what people said, and I will do my very best to carry out the people’s bidding.”

Governor Paul LePage administered the oath of office to Craven and 34 of her Senate colleagues, all of whom have been elected to serve two-year terms. Craven represents Senate District 16, which includes the city of Lewiston.

A dedicated community activist, Craven has spent the past 12 years as a Hospice volunteer, and serves on the boards of the Lewiston Public Library and Healthy Androscoggin. She is a former member of the Community Concepts Board of Directors, and serves as a guardian for persons with disabilities. She has lived in Lewiston for more than 40 years. She and her husband, Jim, are the parents of two grown sons and grandparents of three grandchildren.

During her service in the Senate, Craven has focused on job development, long-term care, and early childhood intervention, and served on the Appropriations, and Health and Human Services Committees.

Today marked the official start of the 126th Maine State Legislature however, the first day of the Regular Session is expected to begin on January 8, 2013.

Of the 35 Senate members, there are 19 Democrats, 15 Republicans, and 1 unenrolled member. Seven are women—all Democrats—and 28 are men: 12 Democrats, 15 Republicans, and 1 unenrolled. There are 17 new members: 10 have recently served in the House of Representatives, one is a former House member and 6 have no previous legislative experience, all Democrats. 18 are incumbents.

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