Campaign 2010: Elizabeth (Libby) Mitchell, Democrat, Maine

Campaign Web site

The Maine Association of Nonprofits asked all 2010 candidates for state office to answer two questions about the nonprofit world. Following is the response it received from Libby (Elizabeth) Mitchell, a Democratic state senator who is running for governor.

Please describe your personal and professional experiences with nonprofit organizations.

I serve on the board of Maine General Health, Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education, and Jobs for Maine Graduates. I also served on the boards of Kennebec Health Association, Home Resources of Maine, Kennebec Valley Medical Center, Oak Grove-Coburn School, and as director of the Maine Homeless Coalition. As Senate president, I also see firsthand the stellar work nonprofits do in the State House advocating for their issues. I understand how hard nonprofits work to provide vital community services and build support for those who would otherwise not have a voice in their community.

Please provide specific ways in which, if elected, you would partner with and strengthen the nonprofit sector to achieve the goals of your campaign.

As governor, I will work in partnership with the nonprofit sector to ensure that a safety net exists to protect those who cannot protect themselves. I will use the bully pulpit to build coalitions and to bring attention to those issues that are important but under-recognized by the public. I will always have an open door and work in good faith with the nonprofit sector to achieve their goals.

See responses from other candidates on our Campaign 2010 Web page.

If you have information about how the governor’s race could affect nonprofits in your state, or would like to encourage your state’s candidates to complete our survey, please contact Suzanne Perry at suzanne.perry@philanthropy.com or (202) 466-1228.