PORTLAND — State Rep. Anne Haskell, D-Portland, is running for a third consecutive term in House District 117.

District 117 represents Rosemont, Stroudwater, Libbytown and part of Deering.

Haskell previously served in the Legislature from 1988 to 1994 as a resident of Gorham.

Republican Shawn-Elise Lapomarda, who is also on the Nov. 2 ballot, was described by Portland Republican City Committee officials as a “placeholder” candidate who is not actively campaigning. She did not respond to requests for an interview.

Rep. Anne Haskell

Haskell, 67, is a Higgins Street resident and Portland native. She is married and has several children and grandchildren. Before retirement, she worked for the Maine International Trade Center, the Finance Authority of Maine and for former Gov. Angus King’s administration.

Haskell said her main focus in the 124th Legislature was working on improving the juvenile justice system. She is co-chairwoman of an implementation committee for educational and systemic changes, including reform of school expulsion policies.

As chairwoman of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, Haskell said she is excited Maine has been identified as a site for the Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative.

Haskell said she believes the state budget is manageable.

“We have a lack of revenue, but we have a stable base,” she said.

Haskell also said she expects her committee to address Portland Police Chief James Craig’s possible proposal to beef-up penalties for crack cocaine possession and distribution.

Kate Bucklin can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 106 or kbucklin@theforecaster.net

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Rep. Anne Haskell