AUGUSTA -- Two women from Augusta are battling to represent the city's east side in the Legislature, a race that features a former lawmaker against a retired city employee.

Republican Julie O'Brien, who served eight years in the Maine House of Representatives before leaving because of term limits, and Democrat Anna Blodgett, a retired city parks director, are running for the House District 56 seat.

The district, which covers most of the east side of Augusta and part of the city's west side, has an open seat this election because Rep. Kim Silsby, D-Augusta, decided not to run for re-election.

O'Brien, who works as executive director of the Maine Republican Party, said she wants to return to the Legislature to complete unfinished business.

"I feel as though I know my way around," said O'Brien, 51. "I really feel my job wasn't finished."

Blodgett, 61, said retirement has given her the freedom to serve.

"I'm not entrenched with the party," she said. "I feel I can work with everybody in both parties."

Voters will fill all 151 House seats Nov. 4. Democrats hold a 90-59 advantage over Republicans. There are also two independents.

When asked about her philosophy of government, O'Brien said the role of government should be narrowly focused.

"State government is too big," she said. "Certainly the role of government is public safety and to protect and help those who are clearly the most vulnerable."

O'Brien, who is president of the Maine chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said putting more money into government programs isn't the answer.

Blodgett said there are always creative ways to manage government.

"I believe government is probably too large," she said, "but most important, it should be well managed."

Blodgett said she puts a priority on good-paying jobs, including those provided by state government. She said she would have to study any proposals that would require state workers to pay a share of their own health insurance premiums.

"Those jobs are very important to our economy locally and in the state of Maine," she said. "I'm proud Augusta has a lot of those good jobs for people."

O'Brien said she, too, would consider proposals to require state workers to pay a portion of their health insurance premiums and would want to look at benefits given to legislators as well.

A former member of the Legislature's Appropriations Committee, O'Brien said she's ready to look for ways to cut spending.

"I'd go in like a little maverick, having eight years of experience, particularly on Appropriations," she said. "I don't need a primer."

Both candidates say school consolidation may need some changes but has worked well enough in Augusta that it does not need a major overhaul.

They differ on Question 1, which would repeal beverage taxes put in place to support Dirigo Health.

Blodgett said one of her relatives uses the Dirigo health program. She said the beverage taxeds should fund it.

"For a few more cents on a soda and a beer, it's worth it for health care," she said.

O'Brien, however, said it has never lived up to the promise of providing access to health care for everyone.

"I really get tired of 'what's a few cents?' " she said. "It adds up."

Blodgett, who is on the Augusta Planning Board, said alternative sources of energy, such as windmills, will be important to help people cope with the high cost of heating oil.

"I have come to realize how dire it is for people," she said.

O'Brien said she wants to get back to the Statehouse to help with tough issues such as taxes.

"My general philosophy and purpose of government is to allow people to keep money of their own," she said.

Susan Cover -- 620-7015

scover@centralmaine.com