VALENTINO SWORN IN TO MAINE STATE SENATE
“Today is a day of new beginnings”
AUGUSTA—Linda Valentino of Saco was sworn in to the Maine Senate at the State House in Augusta today. Senator Valentino was elected to her first term in the State Senate in November, after serving four terms, eight years, in the Maine House of Representatives.
“Today is a day of new beginnings” said Senator Valentino. “I look forward to working with new members, new leaders, and on new committee assignments for the best interests of my constituents.”
Governor Paul LePage administered the oath of office to Valentino and 34 of her Senate colleagues, all of whom have been elected to serve two-year terms. Valentino represents Senate District 5, which includes the communities of Saco, Old Orchard, Dayton, Buxton, and part of Biddeford.
Valentino lives in Saco with her husband, Curtis Scamman, and has represented Saco in the Maine House for the past eight years. She has a BA in political science from the University of Southern Maine and is a certified paralegal.
While a member of the House, Valentino sponsored a wide range of legislation including bills honoring Women Veterans, oppose bullying, providing seed capital for businesses, and reforming campaign practices. She served on the Appropriations, Taxation, and Veterans and Legal Affairs Committees, in addition to the Joint Select Committee of Business Regulatory Fairness and Reform.
“Mainers want and deserve elected officials to put aside party politics and work together,” said Senator Valentino. “I am ready to get to work on issues to help struggling Maine families and businesses.”
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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