BATH — Democratic state Sen. Seth Goodall of Richmond faces a challenge from Republican David Kaler of Bath in his campaign for a second term in Senate District 19.

Both candidates said they want to improve Maine’s economy and education system.

Seth Goodall

Goodall, 32, is married and practices law with Augusta-based Dyer, Goodall and Denison. As a teenager in Richmond, where he still lives, he and his brother co-founded Goodall Landscaping, which is now based in Topsham.

Goodall served two years of a three-year term on the Richmond Board of Selectmen from 2007 to 2009, when he stepped down to serve in the Legislature.

He said he is seeking a second term to continue to help build Maine’s economy and make the state a better place to live and work. He also wants to provide better educational opportunities for young Mainers, and encourage them to remain in the state after completing high school and college.

Goodall said the most important issue today is building of a stronger economy  and creating jobs in Maine. “In addition to that, we have challenging budgetary matters that we have to take a fiscally disciplined approach toward in the upcoming legislative session,” he said.

Goodall said he brings perspective from his time in municipal government, from owning and operating a small business, and from his two years of experience in the Legislature, when “we had to make strong and challenging decisions in regards to balancing the budget, where we cut over $800 million dollars in spending … but at the same time protecting so many programs that we have as Mainers and that we value.”

David Kaler

Kaler, 71, worked as a designer at Bath Iron Works for 25 years. He is married and has one daughter and a grandson.

Kaler, who was born and raised in Bath and served four years as a selectmen in Alna in the 1980s, said he would bring common sense to the Senate.

Among issues that concern him are redevelopment of Brunswick Naval Air Station. Having recently earned a history degree through the community college system, he said he is interested in seeing Southern Maine Community College expand to what will be known as Brunswick Landing.

Kaler said Maine is losing its younger residents after they finish school, noting that his daughter is living in Alaska because she cannot make a living here. He said it is too expensive to live in Maine, a factor that is also forcing seniors to move elsewhere.

“It’s a damn, damn shame,” he said. “We’re losing both the youth and the elderly, for the same reason.”

He suggested that retired people at least 62 years old, who have lived in and paid taxes on their homes for 25 years, should receive a tax break, so that half the money they pay toward schools is discounted.

“He’s paid his dues,” Kaler said. “… give the guy a break.”

Alex Lear can be reached at 373-9060 ext. 113 or alear@theforecaster.net.

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Seth Goodall

David Kaler