Kim Silsby

MINNEAPOLIS -- Julie O’Brien, executive director of the Maine Republican Party, hopes to return the Maine House where she previously served from 1996 to 2004.

O’Brien (R-Augusta) said she decided to run when incumbent Rep. Kim Silsby (D-Augusta) decided to drop out of the race. O’Brien faces Anna Blodgett (D-Augusta).

She said she is running because she wants to improve accountability in government by examining which programs work and which ones don’t – and trimming the fat.

UPDATED with more information on the debate

The Maine House of Representatives defeated a bill Thursday that would have amended the Informed Growth Act.

The act, passed last year, requires large developers to pay for an impact study prior to building in Maine’s communities.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. David Hastings III, R-Fryeburg, would have allowed communities to opt out of the act. It was defeated 73 to 59. The Maine Senate had passed Hastings’ bill Monday.