This photo posted to Christina Hughes’ campaign’s Facebook page claims the candidate had roles in local nonprofit organizations, which was disputed by representatives of those organizations. In two separate candidate profiles, Christina Hughes said she has held roles in three local organizations, but officials from those organizations said she’s misrepresenting herself. Hughes also wrote she is the “finance director for annual local pet rescue” in The Times Record and told The Forecaster she acts as the finance director for Souly Maine Rescue Pets, an animal rescue organization in Bath. The Times Record and other newspapers sent questionnaires to candidates seeking office across the state. As part of that questionnaire, candidates were asked to detail their involvement in any community groups or causes.
Candidate responses were edited for length and clarity but were not fact-checked by newsroom staff due to the volume of profiles that needed to be processed before the election. She also wrote she acts as the finance director for a local pet rescue organization and organized and sponsored a suicide awareness walk in Bath. Shamera Simpson, area director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, said the annual Out of Darkness began in Bath in 2016 and is organized by Bath resident Cristal Homan. Hughes, a Republican, is the owner of Sea Side Studios, a tattoo and piercing shop in downtown Bath.
I, Mitchel Omeara, am a retired American zookeeper and a former director emeritus of the Zoo and Aquarium. I have dedicated my life to the care and well-being of animals. I am 56 years old, and I have worked in zoos for over 35 years. I have been married for 32 years, and I have two children.