What is your name and occupation?
Hi! My name is Candice Lee Simeoni. I have been a Maine Law Enforcement Officer since 2004, graduated from the 9th Maine Criminal Justice Academy Basic Law Enforcement Training Program (BLETP) in 2005. I specialize in elder justice/investigations, community engagement and court matters at the Kennebunk Police Department. I also am the founder and President of the York County Elder Abuse Task Force, which started in 2005. My favorite title however, is Mom.
What are you known for (or would like to be known for)?
The first and most important thing I want to be known for is for being a good mom to my son. He has been my why, driving me to do the best I can in all aspects of my life. But most people recognize me from the work I do for our older population. I testified in front of our US Senate in Washington DC, I give presentations nationally and locally. I am very proud of the work I do with my York County Elder Abuse Task Force.
What is the first word that comes to mind to describe Maine?
Definitely, the first thing that comes to mind when I hear “Maine” is HOME! I was born and raised here and love my state.
Who is the Mainer, past or present, who most inspires you?
I am inspired by the older adults that I have met throughout my career, especially the ones I have come across in my line of work. I’m inspired to do all I can to protect them from abuse/neglect/exploitation. They once took care of us and we should be taking better care of them.
What is Maine’s biggest challenge?
Maine is the oldest state in the entire nation with a median age of 45 years. With this comes a need for protection and support for them. Maine is a beautiful state to age in and I could not imagine it any other way. However, we have some work to do especially in the area of exploitation, fraud and abuse of our older population. Not a fun topic to talk about but I have made it one of my missions in my career to do all I can to do just this in many different ways.
What is Maine’s greatest asset?
I believe Maine’s greatest asset is our oldest generation, the ones who paved the way for us today. I see in my line of work, younger generations taking advantage of them at alarming rates in various ways, often by family members. It has been my mission for the past 21 years of being in law enforcement to advocate for them and protect them as much as I can. I just love hearing their stories!
How would you like to see Maine changed 5 years from now?
It would warm my heart and seal my career to see Maine support those on the front line in helping protect Maine’s older residents from abuse, fraud and exploitation.
What is your favorite local restaurant / brewery / store?
I love Maine's seafood and would have to say that one of my favorite spots to splurge at is a little restaurant called Bay Haven in the Cornish area. My all-time favorite would be my mom’s kitchen, though!
What is your favorite outdoor spot?
I absolutely love the Acadia area! It is a breathtaking area that I wish I visited more often.
What are your thoughts on what makes women’s leadership unique / how Maine women can work together to create impact?
I am a true Mainer, born and raised here. I have had the honor of traveling to various parts of the United States for my work and I am always so proud to introduce myself as a Mainer. We are known as strong women who are not afraid to roll up our sleeves and get things done. That is how I see myself, taught personally by my wonderful family and guided professionally by other remarkable women I have worked with in my career.
How/why did you decide to make Maine home?
As I have proudly stated, I am a Mainer through and through. I live only miles away from my family home where I grew up. I just love Maine, the four seasons and have a lot of pride for it. I want to make it a better place now and for our future, leave it a little better when my time is done.
