Roxanna Hagerman of Bridgton has announced she has filed papers with the Secretary of State to seek the Republican nomination to run for State Representative from District 98 in the November 2012 election.

The seat is currently held by Paul Waterhouse (R-Bridgton), who is not seeking reelection and has endorsed Hagerman for the seat.

“I was honored when Mr. Waterhouse came to me and said he would not be running and urged me to run for his seat. He has represented District 98 well over the years, and I hope to continue that tradition,” Hagerman said.

A business owner for 29 years, “Roxy” is the proprietor of “Roxy’s Hairport” on Main Hill. She is a member of the Bridgton Planning Board, spent two terms on the Bridgton Budget Committee, was chairwoman of the Bridgton Republican Town Committee for two terms (and currently serves as vice chairwoman), and is a former secretary of the Cumberland County Republican Committee.

Born in Aroostook County, Roxy has picked many barrels of potatoes and is fiercely independent and conservative minded. She is passionate about her politics, saying, “I believe ordinary people can make extraordinary differences.”

Her involvement in politics began in earnest when she worked as a volunteer on the 1986 gubernatorial campaign of Porter Leighton of Harrison, who mentored her on business, economics and constitutional rights.

When asked what her greatest accomplishment has been, she answered, “Single-parenting two beautiful and talented daughters.”

Daughter Ali resides in Arlington, Va. with her husband, and daughter India attends Plymouth State College in New Hampshire.

Roxy’s interests include sailing, genealogy, history and talking politics in her hair salon. She’s an avid Red Sox fan, former marathoner and skier.

District 98 includes the towns of Bridgton, Harrison, Lovell, Stow and Sweden.