Election '08: Nick S. McGee's Proust Questionnaire

Nick McGee is a Republican seeking election to District #9 in the Maine Senate. Click here to see if McGee will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 4.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A Sunday drive in the fall to go apple picking with my wife and daughter.
What is your current state of mind?
Content.
Which living person do you most admire?
My mother and father.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing my family.
What is your greatest extravagance?
A large TV.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Selfishness.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My smile and happy-go-lucky personality.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Nothing in particular--I am happy with the person I am.
Which living person do you most despise?
I don't despise anyone--hatred accomplishes nothing.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
All of them are important.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
My nose is a bit large...not too bad though.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would be better at balancing my time.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Strength.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Compassion.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
The word "that" shows up often in my writing.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Play the guitar.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife and daughter.
When and where were you happiest?
My honeymoon stands out.
Where would you like to live?
Australia.
What is your most treasured possession?
My grandmother's cribbage board.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
To lose faith and to feel unloved.
What is your favorite occupation?
One of my first jobs as a line cook at a local restaurant.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Superman.
Who are your heroes in real life?
First responders, soldiers and charity workers.
What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty and openness.
What is it that you most dislike?
Rude and inconsiderate people.
What is your motto?
Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.

(Editor's Note: Nick McGee's opponent, Joe Brannigan, did not respond to my e-mails.)

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: Tim Driscoll's Proust Questionnaire

Tim Driscoll is a Democrat seeking re-election to District #126 in the Maine House of Representatives. Click here to see if Driscoll will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 4.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A world without conflict, hunger, or illness.
What is your current state of mind?
Sane.
Which living person do you most admire?
Sr. Consuela White.
What is your greatest fear?
Being stung by a bee (I’m allergic).
What is your most marked characteristic?
To my family, friends and colleagues, my composure.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I’m vertically challenged.
Which living person do you most despise?
I dislike Dick Cheney.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Daily coffee at Dunkin' Donuts.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
A standing height greater than 5’6”.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Patience.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Those damn crow’s feet came out of nowhere!
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Gravity is taking over, everything is dropping.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Kindness.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Self-confidence.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Move forward.”
Who is the most influential person in your life?
My Mother.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To sit down at a piano and just play.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife, of course.
When and where were you happiest?
Southwest Cork, Ireland in 2002.
Where would you like to live?
I’m very happy and content right here in Westbrook, Maine.
What is your most treasured possession?
Genealogical research of my family.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Homelessness.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My Wife. She will complete her Masters Degree in Nurse Anesthesia in November.
What do you most value in your friends?
The ability to confide in them.
What is it that you most dislike?
A sink full of dirty dishes.
What is your motto?
“Let’s move forward.”

(Editor's Note: Tim Driscoll's opponent, Kevin Crocker, did not respond to my e-mails.)

- John C.L. Morgan

Full Disclosure: My father has contributed to Tim Driscoll's campaigns in the past in the form of a $5 check to qualify to be a Clean Election candidate.

Election '08: Robert Morrill's Proust Questionnaire

Robert Morrill is a Republican seeking election to District #125 in the Maine House of Representatives. Click here to see if Morrill will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 4.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Relaxing with my wife Martha, while knowing all our children are happy and living their own lives as they choose.
What is your current state of mind?
Euphoric. We had our first grandchild, Hunter Ahlias, this past weekend.
Which living person do you most admire?
My wife Martha. She has been my rock for 38 years through tough times.
What is your greatest fear?
I do not have a greatest fear. We have wonderful family and friends. Whatever tomorrow brings, it is God’s plan.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Hiring someone to mow my lawn.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Lack of consideration of others and their opinions.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Strong willed.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
When I show a lack of consideration for others and their opinions.
Which living person do you most despise?
I do not despise or hate anyone. It is not Christian.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Altruism defined as devotion to the welfare of others. The majority of individuals are only concerned with their own well-being.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Nothing. I am quite comfortable in my own skin.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
More tolerance of others.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
The ability to show emotion without being embarrassed.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
The ability to love and nurture in tough times.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
"You do not understand."
Which talent would you most like to have?
Professional golfer.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife Martha and our collective family.
When and where were you happiest?
Last Friday night when our grandson Hunter Ahlias was born in our presence.
Where would you like to live?
Eventually in warmer climates. I still have much to do in Maine.
What is your most treasured possession?
Pictures of family, as many have passed.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Being emotionally lost and thinking like there is no way back.
What is your favorite occupation?
Being in a position as a team builder.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Superman, because in actual life he showed real courage.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My mother and father in-laws, Agnes and Girard Giguere.
What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty and loyalty.
What is it that you most dislike?
When my friends are not honest and loyal.
What is your motto?
One of my favorites is “You either lead, follow, or get out of the way.”

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: Ann Peoples's Proust Questionnaire

Ann Peoples is a Democrat seeking re-election to District #125 in the Maine House of Representatives.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I don't think "perfect" happiness is possible in a less-than-perfect world. Being useful, fulfilled and fortunate in your friends and family is pretty darn good however.
What is your current state of mind?
Hopeful.
Which living person do you most admire?
The person who gets up every morning and does what needs to be done with good humor and compassion and without complaint.
What is your greatest fear?
Helplessness.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Um, pedicures if you must know!
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Thoughtless cruelty.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Curiosity.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Impatience.
Which living person do you most despise?
The person who does something to you "for your own good."
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Patience (I think there's a pattern in here somewhere).
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
My very round face.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
At almost 62, that would have to be my age!
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Compassion.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Compassion.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
"Ya know?"
Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to put people at ease.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My husband.
When and where were you happiest?
I make it a practice to be happiest in the here and now because that's where I am.
Where would you like to live?
Right here.
What is your most treasured possession?
My family.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Loneliness.
What is your favorite occupation?
Learning about everything and anything.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Horatio Hornblower (no, really!)
Who are your heroes in real life?
The guys who run into burning buildings.
What do you most value in your friends?
Their ability to put up with me!
What is it that you most dislike?
Meanness.
What is your motto?
The Lord will provide, but if you want potatoes, pick up the hoe.

- John C.L. Morgan

Better Know a Rep: Bruce Chuluda

And now, Mayor Bruce Chuluda's 'Proust Questionnaire':

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Having what I need to get by and taking care of my family.

What is your current state of mind?
Generally at peace with myself and my circumstances.

Which living person do you most admire?
My daughter and her ability to raise my granddaughter as the great mother I knew she would be.

What is your greatest fear?
Something bad happening to my family.

What is your most marked characteristic?
My empathy for people.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
My lack of patience.

Which living person do you most despise?
I don't like the idea of despising anyone, but since you asked, Osama bin Laden.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Going out to eat.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Lack of patience.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
I don't think any virtue can be considered overrated.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
You'd have to tell me since I try to avoid looking at myself.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'd lose some weight.

What is the quality you most like in a man?
Integrity.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Integrity.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
I'd say folks 'cause I'm a down-to-Earth kind of guy.

Which talent would you most like to have?
I'd like to solve everyone's problems, but I'm satisfied to solve just one.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My late wife, Vickie. She will always be my greatest love.

When and where were you happiest?
When I married my wife in 1975 in Norwood, Massachusetts.

Where would you like to live?
Right where I live now. I never want to leave.

What is your most treasured possession?
My family.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
The loss of a loved one.

What is your favorite occupation?
Truthfully, I love being the Mayor of this great city.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Indiana Jones quickly comes to mind.

Who are your heroes in real life?
Bill Russell because he was a winner. And my late father because he worked hard to support his family.

What do you most value in your friends?
Being there for me when I need someone to prop me up.

What is it that you most dislike?
People who like to denigrate others in an effort to make themselves look good.

What is your motto?
Do the very best for the most.

- John C.L. Morgan

P.S. Read City Councilors Rielly's and Gattine's "Proust Questionnaire."

Better Know a Rep: Brendan Rielly

Better know a representative by checking out this 'Proust Questionnaire' of City Councilor Brendan Rielly (D-Ward 1) :

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Notre Dame's football team winning the national championship, or my kids succeeding at something they've worked hard at. Don't make me choose.

What is your current state of mind?
Peachy keen.

Which living person do you most admire?
Drew said his wife? I'll say Drew's wife, too. Anyone who can put up with him is a saint. No, I'd have to say my wife. I have to. She's reading this. Just kidding. I do admire Erica for her good heart and sense of humor, and the fact that she's stuck with me since we were both fifteen. Either she's a very loving person or just plain crazy. Both are traits I admire, and I'm not asking any questions.

What is your greatest fear?
Bats. Nasty, mean, ugly creatures. I could be profound and say fear of failing my loved ones, but I've gotta go with bats.

What is your most marked characteristic?
The third eye in the middle of my forehead. I keep it covered over with makeup. No, I hope my most marked characteristic is my positive attitude and willingness to make the best out of whatever situation I'm in.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Lack of patience.

Which living person do you most despise?
I don't despise any single person. I despise self-important people who have never had to work a day in their lives and who have no sense of humility, faith, duty, honor or community. And Yankees fans.

What is your greatest extravagance?
I don't really have any extravagances, although if I don't have air conditioning I get pretty cranky.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
See the traits of the living person I most despise.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
I don't think there is such a thing. Virtue only becomes overrated if it is false virtue, like pride or arrogance. Then it's no longer a virtue. Wow. That was way too profound for a Friday afternoon.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
I suppose that third eye in my forehead...

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'd be more patient, and I'd have the gift of flight.

What is the quality you most like in a man?
A snarky sense of humor.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
A snarky sense of humor.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Okay.

Which talent would you most like to have?
Quarterbacking the Green Bay Packers would be pretty cool.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
You, of course. But since you're taken, I'll go with my wife.

When and where were you happiest?
Right here, right now. In general terms, I mean. I don't mean sitting at my computer typing to you, although this is pleasant.

Where would you like to live?
In the great city of Westbrook! I have a thousand places I'd love to travel to, but it's always nice to come home.

What is your most treasured possession?
We have lots of things that remind us of people we've known or places we've been, but I'm not a "thing" person, so I don't really have a treasured possession.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Not having friends or family who care about you.

What is your favorite occupation?
Dad and husband.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
A three-way tie: Luke Skywalker, George Bailey and Tom Joad. When I was a kid, I wanted to be Joe Hardy.

Who are your heroes in real life?
I start with my parents who taught me how to care for others, be a man, and give back. I continue learning from them as well as from my wife, my sister, my kids, and many of my friends. I'm always trying to learn how to be a better person and I certainly have a lot to work on. I'm lucky to be surrounded by people who are smarter, cooler and more put-together than me, and I learn from them. They're my heroes. Now I'm going to cry.

What do you most value in your friends?
A snarky sense of humor.

What is it that you most dislike?
People who think they know everything.

What is your motto?
Go get that ball. That's your ball! Sorry, that's my soccer coaching motto. Clarence the angel said: "Remember, no man is a failure who has friends." That works as well as anything.

- John C.L. Morgan

P.S. To read City Councilor Drew Gattine's 'Proust Questionnaire' from two weeks ago, click here.

Better Know a Rep: Drew Gattine

Sure, you probably know where City Councilor Drew Gattine (D-Ward 2) stands on some of the big issues of the day. But I bet you didn't know what he considers to be his greatest extravagance. Or which talent he would most like to have. Don't worry, that's why we exist.

Now, a close reader may recognize these are the same questions featured in Vanity Fair's 'Proust Questionnaire.' I felt guilty for lifting content from a magazine, but felt better about it once I learned the editors at Vanity Fair themselves lifted the questions from a biography of Marcel Proust. Besides, the sincerest form of flattery is imitation. Right?

Anyway, without further ado, I present Drew Gattine's 'Proust Questionnaire.'

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
On vacation with my family.

What is your current state of mind?
Happy. Busy, but happy.

Which living person do you most admire?
My wife. She holds it all together no matter how much I mess it up.

What is your greatest fear?
The typical stuff all parents worry about.

What is your greatest extravagance?
My Mets season tickets. Want to buy some games?

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Narrow-mindedness.

What is your most marked characteristic?
Patience.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Procrastination (the dark side of patience) and disorganization.

Which living person do you most despise?
I don't bother to despise anyone. World leaders who contribute to human suffering are pretty low on my list.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
I don't think any virtue is prevalent enough to be overrated.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Unsure. I try to avoid looking at myself. Some people tell me I have a lot of hair on my back, but I think they're just teasing me.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Slow down a little. Not fill not every moment of every day with "stuff to do."

What is the quality you most like in a man?
Humor and intelligence.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Intelligence and humor.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Like most people of my generation, I need to find a replacement for awesome. I tend to say sorry a lot, but wouldn't claim to overuse it.

Which talent would you most like to have?
Any talent would be nice. Spinning straw into gold would come in handy.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
C'mon now. My wife and kids, of course.

When and where were you happiest?
At home with my family.

Where would you like to live?
Where I live now, 529 Stroudwater Street.

What is your most treasured possession?
Tangible possession: My bike. Our pets bring us a lot of joy, but I don't really think of them as possessions.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
The red-eye from Seattle to Portland. (My own personal hell about five times a year.)

What is your favorite occupation?
Professional golfer must be nice.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Odysseus.

Who are your heroes in real life?
Local people who help others: Teachers, social workers, public safety workers, nurses, etc.

What do you most value in your friends?
That they listen to my dumb stories and laugh at my bad jokes.

What is it that you most dislike?
Greed, in all its forms.

What is your motto?
Life's not a race, it's a journey.

- John C.L. Morgan