PRESS RELEASE: Donna J Dion announced publicly last Wednesday July 22, 2009 that she is a clean election candidate for governor in the Maine Democratic Primary in June 2010. Dion indicated she would like to have 4,000 registered voters donate $10 each toward satisfying a new qualifying event. Dion’s web site: donnajdionforgovernor2010.com has her fundraising information.

Dion is 57, married 31 years to Michael, an independent contractor, she has one son Gary and daughter-in-law Michelle and two grand-daughters, Makayla 11 and Katanna 9. Dion was born and raised in Biddeford. Receive her BS from University of Maine Machias, with a major in accounting. Dion was a single mother for four years and even collected welfare for a short period of time. Dion understands the importance of the welfare system for assistance but not as a permanent way of life.

Dion has a family history of being raised in a union family. Her family was very involved in local textile unions. Dion’s mother worked for West Point Pepperell, and Dion remembers watching her mom picketing for better wages and benefits. Dion has the additional benefit of being on management side negotiating union contracts. Dion’s goal is to get unions and businesses working closer together. Dion believes the collaboration of unions and businesses will assist communities in developing new businesses with sound jobs and wages in the State of Maine.

Dion has a very extensive and diverse professional background. Dion held a position with Time/Warner for 12 years. Dion was a human resource/financial director, director of new business development. Her expertise took a turn into a 12-year career with non-profits as Chief Financial Officer.

In 1997 Dion was elected Mayor of the seventh largest community in Maine, she held that elected position in Biddeford for 3 terms. Biddeford is one of the few municipalities in the country that the Mayor is also Chair of the school committee. Dion was responsible for setting the tone and direction of both the city council and school committee. She was very influential in the development of a University Zone for the University of New England. She was a major force in the successful approval of a new Middle School and the elimination of 28 portable classrooms. Dion encouraged the creation of the Air Toxic Ordinance to minimize the release of volatile organic compounds. Dion believes her last 40 years in the work trenches has prepared her for the position of governor

Dion’s successes extend beyond her formal professional positions, it followed her into many positions she held as a volunteer. Dion had 11 years on the Salvation Army Advisory Board. Dion has been on Coastal Counties Workforce Board (CCWB). Dion was also on Maine Mentoring Partnership as well as Communities for Children.

Dion’s experiences are hands on and very extensive. Dion’s successes are from listening and working with people to find the best solutions. Dion knows as governor she will bring "Common Sense Leadership" to her administration.