1. Why are you running for office?
I am running because I believe Topsham needs a fresh start in Augusta with a new voice that is more aware of all the issues facing our community. My experiences on the M.S.A.D. #75 School Board and on the Topsham Finance Committee have prepared me to work with civilly people from all parties, and a variety of viewpoints, and bring them together to solve problems and come to decisions jointly. I think that hard work, attention to detail, and careful listening to the people of Topsham will help me get more done for our community at the State House.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest issue currently facing the people of Maine is a lack of jobs that pay well.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I would only support such an increase at this time if it was dedicated to building down our debt, including unfunded liabilities, and sustaining our schools in a time of declining revenues. I would also expect any increase, such as a sales tax increase, to have a sunset clause that would limit the period of the increase. But we must be cautious about saying we are not raising taxes at the state level when we are simply shifting greater costs to school districts and municipalities — so that they are forced to raise property taxes.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Bring healthcare and energy costs down, lower top income tax rate. Expand opportunities for small business growth and entrepreneurs. Also, become leaders in alternative energy generation — especially wind and tidal. Create clusters of small high-end or technological manufacturers. Streamline our state permitting processes by moving all business permitting into a single state agency.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Finding a way to help small and medium sized businesses provide healthcare for their employees and address other barriers to small business growth and success.

1. Why are you running for office?
State government is spiraling out of control. I am committed to ending the slide and feel confident that my service would be beneficial both statewide and in the local community. I also believe that voters deserve a choice when they pick up their ballot. 2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state? The predicted structural gap of $1 Billion Dollars is a disaster waiting to happen. Any ship can be a mine sweeper - once. We are negotiating a Fiscal minefield NOW. Getting our financial house in order is crucial. We must bring in new private sector jobs and the taxes they generate. Belt-tightening demands that every expense be on the table of scrutiny. Extraordinary effort must be made to bring new businesses to Maine.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
NO

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We must restructure orgainzationally placing greater emphasis on economic development. This will result in a more aggressive and far-reaching, business-friendly approach. The recent effort by the Maine Dental Association to expose potential new practitioners to our beautiful state provides is an excellent example of how outreach can be made to work.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to reduce the rate of unemployment, thereby helping to erase the deficit.

1. Why are you running for office?
To serve the people of Brunswick and the State of Maine

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
There are many important issues facing the state of Maine; chief among them are the slowly recovering economy, the need for better paying jobs, the need for a work force which is educated to perform those better paying jobs, and the need for quality, affordable health care for all Maine people.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Not when the economy is beginning to recover from the deep recession.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
By providing a workforce in all parts of the state of Maine which has the skills to perform 21st century jobs, and by ensuring a long term state government policy which encourages clean, growing industries, such as composites and biotechnology, which can provide jobs paying a good wage.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To work for quality, affordable health care for all Maine people

1. Why are you running for office?
Democratic politicians have essentially controlled Maine Government for decades. They have left Maine on the verge of bankruptcy, one of the highest taxed states in America, hostile to business and jobs, leading America in welfare, and taking away our rights.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The anti jobs, the anti business, and the anti prosperity climate created by the Democrat one party rule of Maine for so long.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No!

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Lower taxes, streamline the permitting process, eliminate bureaucratic red tape and unnecessary burdensome regulations, and look into harnessing the enormous tides of the Bay of Fundy to provide renewable cheap energy (Maine pays 1 and 1/2 times the national average for energy.).

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Restore Maine government to sanity. Maine government should live within its means, should not take as much of its residents' money, should respect and protect its citizens' rights, and should promote prosperity by creating a job friendly environment.

1. Why are you running for office?
I have worked my whole life to help others and to improve my community. As long time member of Kiwanis Club I have been involved helping others and working to improve our community and taking responsibility and leadership for Standish. I have been involved in town politics by representing Standish at State conventions and currently act at Republican town committee secretary. As a salesperson I know how to work with others to find solutions and to face the challenges we face and to work to achieve best ways to help businesses and work on issues affecting all of us.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Financial: Budget/Tax Reform making sure those who have is paying fairly while those who struggle are not unduly burdened. We are facing a shortfall around a billion dollars in next state budget and need to make real changes to a system that perpetuates itself instead of making real change legislators keep it going.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to reduce the burden on small business which is main engine of our economy. Need to improve Information Technology/Internet and at least make zones where business can be nurtured and take advantage of future where work/home surrounding will be our greatest asset to being destination for businesses.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Work on Welfare Reform: I have read that one in three Mainer's is trapped in some form of Welfare Dependency and this impacts not only big cities but our towns just as much. Welfare rolls have grown even

1. Why are you running for office?
Like most people in Standish, I get up early and work hard to support my family. I want to bring the working people's voice to Augusta

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Growing our economy to help solve our states ongoing budget issues.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
I worked hard to expand the Pine Tree Development zone law statewide in the 124 legislature. We need to find ways like this to help businesses expand or locate in our state. The Pine Tree law eliminates taxes for businesses that locate or expand in Maine while ensuring that they provide quality, good paying jobs for Maine people.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want all our kids to graduate and find a meaningful career here in our great state.

1. Why are you running for office?
Maine has many problems that need fixing and I think people need a representative who does not look at things from an "us vs them" perspective. I consider myself to be more of a Green Libertarian and I want to help people to keep as much of their paycheck as possible so they can rely on their own hard work and not the government to get by.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Too many Mainers are out of work and are having to rely on some type of government assistance to feed their families. State government needs to help empower these people to take care of themselves, not to fully take care of them, thus taking away their sense of self worth and responsibility. Maine's business climate needs to improve drastically, with an emphasis on agriculture and small, locally owned and controlled businesses. Mainers are independent by nature and want to keep it that way.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
The future is hard to predict, but Mainers have spoken loud and clear that raising taxes is not an acceptable solution.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Eliminating roadblocks for small businesses and for manufacturing jobs would be a huge help. Also, if we could take advantage of a 2009 Maine law allowing farmers to grow industrial hemp (since the US is the number one importer of the non-drug crop and it has literally thousands of uses), then farmers would have a new crop to grow that is good for their soil and the bottom line, not to mention processing jobs, shipping jobs, etc. Farmers in Canada are currently getting paid more for an acre of hemp than soybeans or corn. Biodegradable plastic, anyone?

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would like to be an independent voice in the state legislature. Too many politicians seem to show more loyalty to their party than to the voters who elected them. I will gladly stand up to any group or party who wants to put their agenda ahead of the needs of the state of Maine. Time for the political BS to end, period.

1. Why are you running for office?
The House seat #103 opened up unexpectedly and I after prayer and discussion with family and friends, I was moved to run. This is an important election where you are voting for status quo vs. a new direction.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Poor business environment. Forbes magazine ranked Maine 50th of 50 states. A healthy and growing business climate would positively affect all walks of life: jobs, healthcare, charity … The current party in power does not believe this and so we are struggling.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No, there are too many ways we can cut spending and still be on track. Maine needs a vision of what is important and than should fund those areas. The past leadership failed in doing the right thing…this one cannot. 4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine ? Less rules and regulations. What if Maine went to supporting small business as opposed to creating barriers? What if the rules made business creation easy? Businesses would flock here given our quality of life.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Improve our business environment by supporting growth and the positive things that would come from that growth. Maine is a wonderful place and we need leaders who will make us proud!

1. Why are you running for office?
My business ownership experience, and current position of consulting in business managment places me in the position to be a positive force on the conversation needed in Augusta to invigorate our economy. I have been compelled by the struggle of Maine people and small businesses owners to improve their lives, and wish to be a part in helping them do that.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Unemployment, reduced economic activity.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
As Maine is near the highest per capita taxed state in the country, the budget should be balanced by cutting expenditures and increasing business growth.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
By reducing impediments to small business start ups, such as the chaotic administration of regulations, by increasing capital avaialble to businesses, by providing tax incentives for businesses that create jobs if they come into Maine, by reducing the income tax level, by promoting our eco-tourism business more, by developing technology centers for alternative energy research and development, by linking our educational institutions with both current employer needs in Maine, and future, desirable businesses.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Be a catalyst to the conversation to create more jobs. Make the lives of Maine people more financially secure.

1. Why are you running for office?
To reduce the size and scope of government

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Economy/Jobs

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Would support tax decrease and spending cuts.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Reduce government involvement in business affairs, reduce taxes on businesses and individuals while maintaining Maine's pristine environment. Promote Maine throughout the country as a great place to live and work, buy low cost energy from hydro Quebec. Incent the University of Maine to become the leader in LED lighting research to bring down the cost of the real future of lighting: LED lights. Talk to all the major car manufacturers with the purpose of bringing a hybrid or electric car manufacturing plant to Maine. Incent wood stove manufacturers to build their products in Maine. Incent the University of Maine to research geothermal heating for private residences and businesses and how to build roads that will not develop potholes. Most important of all look for private ways to improve the economy through free market economics. Bottom line more business less government=more jobs which allows for a larger tax base and less taxes for all and a better life for all. We have experimented with big government solutions to solve Maines issues for the last 35 years, it is time to give small government solutions and free market capitalism a try.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Get the Department of Transportation to change the ice melting mix on roadways so that it does not adhere to the bottom of vehicles thus reducing the rate of rusting on brake and fuel lines and other vehicle parts.

1. Why are you running for office?
We are facing considerable challenges in our state due to the worldwide economic condition, the rural nature of our state and long-term governmental structures to name a few. We have also made significant steps to capture opportunity; developing a stronger community college system, graduating more students than ever from our university system, investing in job creation and preparing workers for 21st century jobs and protecting our natural resources and future of the quality of place. My six years of experience on Health and Human Services and the Appropriations Committee have helped me understand the details necessary to prepare for this upcoming legislative session and I want to contribute.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs and our economic future. The economic downturn and other constraints have made it increasingly difficult to grow our ability to prepare our children and current workers for a 21st century economy while protecting current jobs.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I would support a tax reform package which would reduce Mainer's overall tax burden and would attract entrepreneurs and attract new jobs and businesses. Such a plan was approved by the legislature in a recent session. It would have reduced taxes on Maine tax payers by $57 million the first year. Opponents were effective in pointing out flaws; some of which I agreed were troubling. I wanted to get the basic package in place, begin tax relief and go back and improve the package for more fairness.
The voters have spoken and I will return to attempt to address the real flaws in the previous plan, and work to create real tax relief that still responsibly pays for required services and the cost of competing for 21st century jobs in Maine.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
As I just mentioned, a tax reform package that reduced income tax would attract more businesses and jobs. However, it must be done in a way that allows us to do the other important steps to bring more jobs to Maine; proper education of children to prepare for 21st century careers, supporting community college training, investing in university educations, job creation through research and development, economic development efforts, re-training of current workers, assuring our families are safe and also investing in our quality of place and quality of life that makes Maine the place we call home.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
We will be faced with another billion dollars in cuts which we handled responsibly in the last budget. I want to ensure we carefully plot a course through these challenges while keeping an eye on our growth and future. I am particularly interested in supporting economic development through the creative/innovation economy; creating 21st century jobs

1. Why are you running for office?
I love this job. The hours are long, the pay is low, and it's very humbling to represent your constituents in Maine policy matters. I run to continue working to increase jobs, opportunities, and bridge our economic needs with protecting our natural resources. No small task, but I'm ready to get to work immediately once session begins based on my experiences in the last session.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
JOBS. There are many important issues, such as affordable health care, education, economic growth, etc., but without good jobs for Mainers, the others are more difficult to address. I believe in the statement that we should be looking at each legislative bill with an eye towards the job impact, whether it increases or decreases job opportunities.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
It's easy for someone to just say "no" to this, and that much harder to stick with it when unforeseen issues come up in session. I promise to assess any proposal for tax increases or decreases in real time.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
I am working extensively in the recycling policy area, and there are great job and entrepreneurial opportunities in creating markets for products currently land filled or incinerated. If we continue to set up product stewardship programs such as our existing one for televisions, we can create more hauling and consolidation jobs, and new markets for end-of-life products.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to continue my work on protecting our environment at the same time of bringing new job opportunities to Mainers. If I can leave office knowing that I helped create good jobs for families, that is a worthy goal.

1. Why are you running for office?
I'm prepared by education, experience, and discipline to help the Legislature solve its severe financial crisis.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The current fiscal crisis, brought on by 30-years of undisciplined budgetary growth, must be resolved.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Tax increases of any kind and at any level at this time in Maine's history would be foolhardy and counter-productive to economic development.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Simplify the tax system, reduce the overall level of taxes, reduce and/or cut selected government programs, simplify/streamline business rules & regulations.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Help solve the critical fiscal crisis. Everything is on the table. Other issues are secondary priorities.

1. Why are you running for office?
I believe that Augusta needs to hear from small business owners who know the real issues and road blocks to creating new jobs...and want to do something about it! I have worked very hard for my constituents over the past four years. And I have a track record and respect on both sides of the aisle and work in a bi-partisan way.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The single biggest issue is multifaceted.... we need to return the state to a working state. A state that supports private sector business. This can be accomplished through fair taxation, lower energy costs, quality educated workforce and a consistent regulatory process.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Not at this time.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Basically the same answer as number two...but we have to return to a balance of all the issues...taxation, regulatory, education, quality of place, social services, energy supply and costs. And we need to increase consistency in our rules and regulations, so business can depend on Maine....and Maine can depend on business, which equals JOBS!

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
If elected, and I am returned to the Health and Human Services committee, I will be in the thick of trying to craft an appropriate DHHS budget to support Maine's most vulnerable but without breaking the backs of the tax paying citizens of Maine. I hope to listen and be fair. And help the state navigate to become a more sustainable and prosperous economy.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am retired from the U.S. Army and recently from healthcare after a 35 year career. I have the capacity and commitment to focus on what is necessary to properly represent my district where we have lived for the past thirty years. I have the experience and courage needed in order to make tough decisions in Augusta. As a certified umpire for both school baseball and softball, I call things as I see them by having a clear understanding of the rules and always giving my best on the field.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Confidence in our elected officials. There seems to be an overwhelming mistrust in our current elected officals at all levels. I want to re-establish trust in our government.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No! Our citizens are paying more than their fair share. I feel that there may be waste in the system as well as revenue opportunities that can reduce expenditures. Just reducing jobs is the easy solution but not be the right solution. I will question every expenditure and measure the true value associated with this expense.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
First, by helping our current businesses with opportunities to maintain their current business. Retention of current business capacity is important to demonstrate to all new business ventures that Maine is a good state to start a business. Also, we should maximize the use of our resources, not only nantural resources, but also our most important resource, hard working Mainers.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Renew confidence in our elected officials and restore our middle class to what it should be. I do not want to see us as a state that has two classes, the ones that have and the ones that do not.

1. Why are you running for office?
Change state policies to keep and attract jobs, reduce welfare roles, change insurance regulations to reduce costs in Maine, constrain our government to its legitimate constitutional role. I have a broad range of experience in residential construction, agriculture, forestry, and in public service, as well as knowledge of our constitutions and the intent behind them.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
It's hard to choose just one, but improving our business climate and restoring and creating jobs is definitely a priority.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. I signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Reform regulatory and review policies to attract rather than discourage business growth and reduce business taxes to a level that allows us to compete with other states.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Restore Maine's economy, which has been lagging even before the current recession. This would include cutting waste and inefficiency in government, policies that grow and attract business, welfare reforms to curb the flood of people coming to Maine to reap the benefits of our overly generous welfare system and allow recipients to work their way off welfare, health insurance reforms to lower health insurance costs by repealing expensive, unaffordable mandates, creating health savings accounts and risk pools, and allowing free market competitive options across state lines.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because the communities of Gray, North Yarmouth and Gray deserve a legislator who will work on decreasing taxes, creating jobs, reforming our health care system and making government more efficient and effective. I will work in a bipartisan manner to work on the very difficult issues our State faces as we pull ourselves out of recession.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest single issue is the lack of good jobs and the State's ability to climb out of recession.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. We need to make government more efficient and effective. If cuts need to be made they need to be made with a scalpel not a hatchet.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Support small business growth through tax breaks and incentives. Support growth of innovative technologies such as clean energy and bio technology. Market Maine as the best place to live and raise a family.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Make health care reform a reality to ensure quality health care at a lower cost. This would further support the growth and sustainability of small business.

1. Why are you running for office?
We cannot keep sending the same party back to Augusta and expect different results. Now more than ever, we need different results! Maine is the 6th highest taxed state in the nation and our working families are among the lowest paid. I am running to help turn our economy around. We need to find ways to reduce state spending and provide real tax reform to Maine families and small businesses.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
High taxes and the impact this has on Maine families and small business.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No!

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Make Maine a better place for small business to start and do business. They have too many obstacles to overcome and the taxes are too high. Eliminate the red tape and reduce the taxes and business will have more money and energy to put into their business, thus the business will grow and employ more people.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Make Maine a better place for small businesses to do business

1. Why are you running for office?
I have always enjoyed public service and have been involved with it in one way or another for most of my life. I have served in the Maine House of Representatives for the last six years and I am looking forward to serving for another term.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs and the economy. Until we get people working and earning enough money to support themselves, the economy will continue to struggle.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. If we take more money that will mean that people will have less to spend and it will do more harm to the economic situation.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Reduce taxes and make it less difficult for businesses to start or succeed in Maine.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want Maine Government to do our part in turning this difficult economic situation around. I also look forward to helping people who are having trouble dealing with state government. I plan to continue to play a key role on the Criminal Justice Committee.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running for the Legislature to continue the work I have been doing to strengthen Maine's public education system by providing accessible and affordable higher education to prepare our citizens for the jobs and the economy of the 21st century. I also want to work collaboratively to create an environment where businesses can prosper. I want to make wise and careful decisions to insure government efficiency, a balanced budget, and work to reduce Maine's income tax burden.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
I believe that the biggest single issue facing Maine is the need to grow our economy and provide good jobs for our citizens. I believe that the best way to restore our economic health begins with our investment in innovative educational programs.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
When I arrived in Augusta 2 years ago, the State of Maine faced a huge budget deficit. We spent many months reviewing all departmental budgets. We reduced Maine's General Fund budget by almost $850 million, without tax increases. In the past 7 years, 1,000 state government positions have been eliminated (about 8.8% of the work force). I am concerned about the mounting impact these cuts have on local property taxes, on our ability to invest in important education initiatives, and on the impact on our ability to support our elderly, disabled, and most vulnerable citizens. All signs indicate that the State will face further, serious budget challenges. Any responsible Legislature has to weigh and evaluate all options; learn the specifics of state revenues, shortfalls and program needs; and balance the responsibilities of government with the ability of our citizens to pay.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Innovative programs (for instance in biotechnology, or renewable energy, or marine science) developed through cooperative programs with the university and the private sector is one way. Streamlining our business regulatory system will help businesses to come to Maine, to stay in Maine, and to grow in Maine. We need to provide capital to help our small Maine businesses grow and prosper.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to raise Maine's high school graduation rate, and raise the number of Mainers who seek further education and training after high school. This will enrich the quality of life for our citizens, improve their economic prosperity, and make Maine more attractive to prospective business development. I also want to expand our investment in early childhood education.

1. Why are you running for office?
I'm concerned that not enough of us, who are interested and engaged in the issues, become involved in the process. Many believe their voice is not being heard and an agenda that represents only one direction becomes priority.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Attitude. The Maine Legislature needs to change its attitude on spending, taxes, business, welfare, and education. Accountability to the taxpayers must be obligatory and transparent. Problem solving requires new leadership and vision.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. Spending problems can't be solved with the same thinking that created them. Government should make budget decisions using common sense. Mainers do so in their personal budgets. Fiscal independence needs to be a priority.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
I would work to incentivize a business friendly atmosphere that encourages business to come to Maine, stay in Maine and invest in Maine. Educators need to provide courses and training that meets the requirements of current and future employers.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To serve my district with principled leadership using common sense to connect ideas that will lead to fiscally viable positive results.

1. Why are you running for office?
I beleive, that over the course of my thirty three year career in public safety, I have consistently demonstrated leadership skills that the voters of my District will find important to the work of a state legislator.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs. We must commit to support the sustainability and growth of small businesses in Maine. I am willing to work with both Democrats and Republicans to tackle this issue. Good jobs have no party labels.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Seeking realistic efficiencies, beyond general across the board cuts, reflect half an answer to our budget problem. We may also have to consider restructuring revenue formulas to help balance citizen expectations with their willingness to pay for government services.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Reduce overhead costs for businesses. Address three key policy areas: energy, insurance, and the regulatory environment. Appropriate targeted funds to higher education, including university activities in research and development.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Restore public confidence in the Legislature's ability to make decisions that are in the public's best interest and not simply exercises in partisan competition. The challenges are too great to rely on a "who's winning" approach to governing.

1. Why are you running for office?
I see the changes Maine needs-- lower taxes, better jobs, smarter welfare, more people back to work. At some point, I decided that if I wanted see change happen, I needed to stop talking about it and start doing something.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The State is spending taxpayer money in ways we don't want it spent. We work hard-- the State should be held accountable for how they spend our taxes. This is key to more jobs and fewer tax increases.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Absolutely not. We can't afford it—no one can. If you're at home, you can't spend more money than you've budgeted… why should it be allowed to happen with the State? It's a basic principle, but they miss it in Augusta.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Lower the tax burden on Maine business. Then, speed up the regulatory approval process. Lower energy and insurance costs… and try working with businesses considering locating themselves in Maine instead of against them. It seems like simple stuff to me.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to be a decisive part of the process that makes this state business-friendly again. I know that this isn't something that will change overnight, but I can help lay the foundation for a healthy, successful, prosperous Maine.

1. Why are you running for office?
We are worse off now than we were just a few years ago. Many of our current representatives are only representing a small portion of people in the state: they are ignoring tax-paying working families who struggle to make ends. I want to make sure these people in Portland finally get a voice in government.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The economy: whether it is a shrinking job market, out of control taxing-and-spending, or the fact that our best and brightest young people have to leave the state to make a good living. These are all issues that must be addressed — and can be — with creativity and common sense. We must restore fiscal discipline and responsibility to Augusta.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. The budget should be balanced by eliminating waste, inefficiency, and by a strict outside audit of the state's finances.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Many small businesses can't hire new people, and are instead forced to lay off existing workers, because of the state's tax system that makes little difference in ability to pay between a large corporation and small "Mom and Pop" businesses. We need to focus on fostering an environment that allows all businesses to hire and employ more people.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to be able to leave office with the knowledge that the state is better off than it was before, and that people will have a higher expectation of what to expect from their public servants: an expectation of truthfulness, responsibility, transparency, and accountability.

1. Why are you running for office?
Hard working people should not have to worry about their family's health care, their children's education, their mortgage or rent, their aging parents, or their own old age. But many of us do. I want to work to change that.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
2000 years ago Julius Caesar conquered Gaul using the strategy of divide and conquer. I don't know who's using that strategy today, but our society seems to be increasingly polarized. if we stay so divided, we, too, will be conquered.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
The budget process should include a thorough and transparent review of all expenses and revenues, including the entire tax code and the $3+ billion annual credits and exemptions to the excise, income, and sales taxes.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to better support existing small businesses and encourage new entrepreneurial investments by developing a well-trained, skilled workforce, reducing health care costs, and restoring progressive fairness to the State tax codes.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
The Maine Legislature makes important decisions about how we are going to take care of ourselves and each other. I want to continue to support and protect our most disenfranchised and vulnerable Mainers in that process.

1. Why are you running for office?
I have been an activist for over 25 years on issues of importance, including human rights, health care, poverty, non-violence and the environment. Running for and holding office will enable me to be an even more effective advocate.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Maine is broke. We can not further cut essential services, and getting investment is unlikely (Maine's infrastructure is too weak). Our best hope is raising revenue to meet our needs. See my answer to question #3.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Yes, but not a flat across-the-board increase. I favor a progressive tax structure, with low or no tax for low income and increasing rates for higher income, like we had before Reagan. This will result in revenue and fairness

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Jobs that leave employees still in poverty solve nothing. I favor support for a large number of small Maine-based businesses that are part of a community rather than "big boxes" that are concerned primarily with their own profits.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Replace the commonly-stated view that government should be run like a business with the model of running government like a family. Business is based on competition and competition creates losers; families try to make everyone winners, and help those in need.

1. Why are you running for office?
After serving in the legislature for the last two years I am more convinced than ever that we need to work on our education priorities in Augusta. With the current budget situation it is more critical than ever that we work to tie our children's education to the kinds of careers that can offer the good wages and opportunity here in Maine. I believe my experience in higher education and in economic development offer me a strong hands-on orientation that can lead this effort.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
While the immediate big issue will be the budget problem, the larger and longer term issue is to develop our economy so that we can have better employment opportunities for everyone. This can only be done by building up the quality of our workforce through education and creating more opportunities for businesses to see Maine as an incredibly good place to locate. We also need to provide the educational opportunities that will create more entrepreneurs who start and grow companies here.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I will support a temporary increase in the sales tax, much as was done under Governor McKernan, until such time as we can craft meaningful tax reform that is acceptable to the voters of Maine. At the same time we need to be looking at how we can consolidate or streamline state government. Taxes pay for the services we all need and want, but I believe everyone wants to make sure we get the most value for our tax dollars, and that taxes are assessed fairly.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to continually work on developing our reputation as a quality place to live and work. We need to work on making our workforce as skilled and educated as any in the country. We offer a quality of place that is second to none. We are seeing several companies, such as Jackson Labs, Bigelow Labs, and Idexx that are growing and succeeding here in Maine. Those kinds of companies can offer excellent jobs to those who have the education and skills the employer needs. We need to provide the education and skills development to make more opportunities for those companies, and other knowledge based firms consider Maine. We can use tax policy as well, but we have to be smarter about how we do so. We have to look at net new jobs as a criteria, and we have be sure we are providing incentives for jobs here in Maine. We should not provide incentives or benefits to companies we do not operate here in Maine and employ Maine workers.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Establish funding targeted to education for companies here in Maine with specific skills and education through the University system. The Community College system has been doing this successfully by partnering with the business community. The business community is able to grow and successfully employ community college grads because they have the skills needed to be productive in the industry. We need to create similar alliances between the University and the business community to be sure we use the University as a tool to help Maine companies grow and be competitive.

1. Why are you running for office?
There is a lack of legislators who are trained in financial and statistical analysis and in GAAP/GASB accounting requirements. I bring a trained eye to the table.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Economic development (which includes the jobs that come from it). I have attended several recent forums dealing with economic development. I see a lot of great minds, investors and leaders working on positive approaches to this issue. As someone who started a business during the recession of the 90's, I have 1st hand experience in this area.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
NO. As a systems analyst, I can see opportunities for providing the same or better levels of service at a lower cost. In my professional opinion, there are still many efficiencies yet to achieve.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Consolidate economic development services statewide; we have many ECD programs all heading in diverse directions with different agendas/incentives which have produced a less than effective result Public private partnerships to help businesses through the incubation process Bring together the creative types with philanthropists in a concerted effort to limit risk while optimizing the chance for a successful outcome One industry originally targeted by MTI was aquaculture. We need to reboot that effort along Maine's extensive coast. We should seek out premier investors and find out what kinds of industries they would want in Maine and find ways to minimize their risk. Stop over-regulating small business Better incentives to attract new "big" business that will stay in Maine after the incentives expire. Target education to meet the needs of businesses that are already here in Maine or that have expressed an interest in coming to Maine IF we had a workforce trained for such industries.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
In addition to the economic development noted above, which is my primary objective, I also hope for accomplishments in the following areas: Education: School choice legislation. I'm working with a national coalition and Maine stakeholders to coordinate an effort for school choice legislation in this upcoming session. National School Choice Week is January 23-29. Judiciary: State level Qui Tam legislation similar to Federal model. Judiciary: Expand freedom of access to information gathered and retained by government to more closely model Federal legislation. Taxation: address the growing tax-exempt basis in Maine communities. Statewide 10-15% of property is exempted from the taxable base. Taxation: as much as possible, state services should be funded by those who use the service. IE: cheap search and rescue insurance requirement for hikers, climbers, campers, etc Labor: address the definition of independent contractor as it relates to tech services being outsourced as a result of the current laws. DHS: require social workers to report suspected fraud/abuse S&LG: encourage competition between municipalities etc

1. Why are you running for office?
We need more people who are willing to make the best possible decisions for our state and less who are looking to make decisions to benefit only themselves.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest issue facing every state in the nation is the downward spiral of the economy, and thus, lack of jobs.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Obviously, no one wants to increase taxes. I would look at ways to make our state run more efficiently. I am concerned about the long term impact we are having on local tax payers by saying we are not raising taxes at the state level and pushing it on to the municipalities .

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
An educated work force is key. We need to make education accessible and affordable in order to compete. Whether that means more job training or a college degree, we need to give people the tools to compete or businesses will have little interest in coming here. I would support expanding the Pinetree Zone. We need to reward businesses that are currently paying a living wage and benefits and do the same to attract new businesses, which is what the Pinetree Zone aims to do currently. I would also look at making permitting less cumbersome for businesses.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would like to see people's lives improved through better job opportunities. As an Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier, I also have an interest in healthy lifestyles, thus leading to longer lives and decreased health care costs, benefiting everyone involved.

1. Why are you running for office?
To put the state's financial house in order. To help figure out what services are essential and which can be postponed or eliminated. Some legislators believe that we can conduct "business as usual" yet our system is broken.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The state is bankrupt. Remember those who purchased expensive homes without any possible way to pay for them? The state has done essentially the same thing for years. We can't continue making promises that we are unable to keep.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Probably not. There is plenty of money going into Augusta. However, more continually goes out than comes in. Somehow, there's money to bus thousands of students, during school hours, to see a hockey game. There's money for Hollywood filmmakers.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Jobs will come when Maine has a vibrant and strong economy again. That's won't happen by increasing the deficit. Rather, it will take place when Maine pays its bills on time and meets its other legal and financial obligations.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Health insurance is more expensive here than in other states. We need competition. Let's allow out-of-state companies to sell here.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am interested in public policy issues that impact people in their every day lives. I enjoy hearing their opinions and ideas and bringing their thoughts to bear on our decisions in Augusta.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The impact of the current economic condition in the US as it effects employment in Maine. Balancing our state budget with the least amount of harm and being sure we have a strong foundation as the economy turns around is a huge challenge.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
That would be at the end of my list of options given the current economy.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We should be supporting the businesses and industries that are currently established in Maine; growing and keeping our own Maine companies in business by giving them tools to expand and weather the current markets.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
-I have a strong interest in modernizing and enhancing our Juvenile Justice System to reduce reliance on detention/incarceration and develop a more robust system of community based prevention and intervention services.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running because I believe that I can help to make government more open, fair and efficient and that government can better advance the causes of freedom, justice, opportunity, prosperity and environmental sustainability.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The challenge of the State budget including recurring biennial shortfalls as well as unfunded future liabilities for such things as state pensions and health care costs.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Some taxes should fall and others rise. Income taxes, particularly on lower incomes, are too high. Increase the lodging tax from 7% to 8.5%; broaden the reach of Maine's 5% sales tax and put a levy of 1 cent on each gallon of groundwater withdrawn for bottling.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Maximize our strengths in the areas of small new technology start-ups, tourism and recreation and the creative economy. Maintain infrastructure and expand broadband. Preserve quality of place.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Vastly increasing efficiency in the generation, transmission and use of energy.

1. Why are you running for office?
I see the struggle for a better life in my Parkside neighborhood, and know people are hurting across Maine. I am running for office because there are problems facing our state and I want to be part of the solutions.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs and the Economy Maine's economic growth depends on sustaining and creating reliable jobs with good, affordable benefits for all workers.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I am open to all ideas and believe that we cannot continue to only cut our way out of this recession.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
I think looking at business incentives, expanding our transportation infrastructure and increasing the use of green energy would all bring jobs to Maine. We also need to strengthen our education system, to support a trained workforce for our state.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Our state's funding for various crisis response services cost us millions. If elected, I will look at the big picture and find ways to support long term prevention efforts in addition to short term, temporary solutions.

1. Why are you running for office?
We need less partisan politics and more solutions for the many problems facing the State of Maine. As a former Legislative Aide with fifteen years of public policy experience, I have what it takes to be an effective leader in the Legislature.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The Maine economy and jobs. We need to attract responsible businesses that pay their employees good wages and offer benefits.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Only if necessary to avoid further budget cuts to education and necessary services such as public safety and services for the mentally ill and physically disabled. If we have to consider raising taxes I would want to look at options that do not effect low and middle income Maine residents.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We could lower energy costs by investing in clean energy which would make Maine a more attractive place for businesses. Also, we could reduce or eliminate the business equipment tax and offer tax breaks for new businesses that pay good wages and benefits to their employees.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would like to straighten out the state's finances and stabilize revenue so we are not constantly having to deal with a budget shortfall every six months.

1. Why are you running for office?
I've spent the past two years fighting to ensure Maine people could afford to weatherize their home, reducing their heating costs. We have made major progress on that front, but there is much more work to do. I envision a green and clean economy where we create thousands of jobs through weatherization and renewable power generation while reducing energy costs for our homes and businesses.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Our incomes are far lower than the rest of New England at a time when the Middle Class is already struggling to pay their bills nationwide. We must invest in our workforce while building an economy that attracts good paying jobs to our state. We have a real opportunity to do that in the energy sector.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Yes, if it was part of a broad mix of solutions and sunsetted. I believe there are other revenue opportunities that might offset the impending cuts.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
The Opportunity Maine Program is a brilliant incentive for Maine people to earn their college degree while providing a serious tax break to businesses who hire Maine-educated residents. But we must be looking at economic development and workforce development together instead of the silos with which they traditionally are viewed. We must be educating people for the jobs we have and those we want to attract. The Northern Maine Community College has a wind turbine program that is doing just that. They are educating workers for a job market that is just emerging, and those students are being scooped up quickly for wind projects across the state. It is precisely the type of partnership the educational system and private sector need to be doing more. As I've said before, I strongly believe that the transformation of our energy paradigm provides a key chance to create thousands of jobs from weatherization technician to electrical engineers working on wind power projects. Equally important, however, is that we have a chance to reduce our energy costs which will preserve many of our factories while making Maine that much more cost effective to do business. It's really a win-win proposal - and thankfully most Mainers are excited about it as well.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to sustainably fund the Efficiency Maine Trust. Doing so would provide greater resources for homeowners and landlords to weatherize their homes while ensuring small businesses have opportunities to reduce their overall energy costs as well.

1. Why are you running for office?
To be a bold, energetic representative for Portland. If we envision a sustainable future for Maine, we cannot afford the stalemated politics of Augusta. I have a proven ability to push forward progressive policies, while developing allies in the process.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The need to rebuild and further develop education, health and social services that have suffered devastating effects from budget cuts over the last 20 years.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I would support a progressive income tax package that emphasized heavier taxation on individuals and entities most capable of paying back into the taxation pool to compensate to some degree for those least capable.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Invest in Maine's creative economy. We have a vibrant community skilled in arts and cultural fields, but a limited market for those talents. I have a plan to create incentives to put folks to work, while generating tourism attractions.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To promote development of a commuter-rail network in Maine, to provide Maine workers an alternative, sustainable way to get to work, and aid tourism to Maine's urban hubs. Funds are already allocated, but the vision needs to be crystallized.

1. Why are you running for office?
I believe government should work smarter to provide people, businesses and communities the opportunity to succeed. I want to help make our government accountable, responsible, and capable of providing effective oversight without excess bureaucracy.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest single issue facing the state is the lack of quality jobs. Other important issues include the tax burden on families and businesses, education reform, the high cost of energy, and protecting our natural resources.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I do not want to raise taxes. I do support reforming the way we collect taxes by lowering the income tax rates and broadening the sales tax base for economic stability and prosperity.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Invest in infrastructure that the business community needs: roads, high-speed Internet, air and rail transportation. Ensure more of our citizens are equipped with the education and training needed to work in 21st century jobs, Reduce the tax burden and streamline the regulatory process, and Reduce the cost of power

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to bring a green data mill to Maine. I imagine an old paper factory transformed into a high-tech company for cloud computing. This data mill will run on renewable energy, utilize our new fiber optic broadband network, employ our workers and inject economic vitality to our state.

1. Why are you running for office?
We need common sense back with our good intentions. Cape Elizabeth is being punished as a result of State Gov't inefficiency. That costs Cape E school funding regardless of the income taxes we send Augusta. We deserve better stewardship.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The lack of job creation, which means lower tax receipts. The job shortage didn't start in 2010 — it began in 2003. State Government policy makes us far less attractive to businesses than other states. Electric & healthcare costs are other big liabilities.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. I support reducing the cost of delivering State services. I support getting into the weeds of business regulations and streamlining the process for business operations. The last two tax hikes/expansions failed for a valid argument: Use the money efficiently.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Reduce electricity costs. May mean dropping from NE Energy Cooperative. Reduce healthcare premiums. May mean allowing insurance purchases across state lines. Improving those two will increase tax receipts and jobs — then we can lower taxes.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Change the school-funding formula, which is unlikely. Number One-A is reduce the cost of DHHS, which is 40% of the state budget. According to healthcare professionals, money that could go back to Cape Elizabeth is getting wasted for no purpose

1. Why are you running for office?
My opponent was unapposed and the people in my district deserve a choice. Additionally Government spending has been too long out of control.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Maine is a welfare state! out of staters come to Maine for benefits that are easy to obtain.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No, not until spending is under control or the ecomomy turns around. Maine is overtaxed already!

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Increase bio-tech oportunities and secondly make Maine more pro industry.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Return common sense in Government decisions

1. Why are you running for office?
My long-time connection to and affection for my community and the people in District 123 are the driving force behind my service as a legislator. I want to continue the critical work we've begun related to the economy, environment, business, health care, and education.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Our struggling economy.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
There are too many unknowns looming in the state budget to make any kind of determination now.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Educate better ALL of our citizens, reduce regulatory hurdles, and protect our environment.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Eliminate loopholes and inefficiencies in state programs and departments.

1. Why are you running for office?
I believe that our state needs change and sound leadership. The people of our communities need elected officials who Represent their interest not The Parties.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Budget Wasteful spending

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. Their would be no need to increase taxes if we just cut programs that fail to work or fail to reach desired bench marks. Stop the feel good program that target a small number of Mainers that are expensive to maintain.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Create a business friends environment. Make Business want to come to Maine

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Rome wasn't built in one day and changes will not happen over night. The one thing I would want to do is to regain the community's trust in me as their representative. The other things like State spending. Energy efficiency, and creating a business friendly environment will fall into place with common sense solutions.

1. Why are you running for office?
We need people in Augusta who have a pragmatic and balanced approach to public policy and are willing to work with both parties to get results.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Attracting high paying jobs to build Maine's future economy.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No, Maine people are already heavily taxed.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
I believe it begins with providing a skilled and educated workforce to fill these jobs. We must focus our energy on higher education to prepare people for the jobs of tomorrow.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Our motor vehicle inspection system is in need of major reform.

1. Why are you running for office?
To continue to represent all of my constituents with common sense and compassion.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Education for the jobs that we will create over the next few years. We also face a serious problem with our Transportation infrastructure.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Only as a last resort. I am hopeful that the economy will improve enough to make it avoidable. If we have to raise taxes, they should be targeted with an eye to those that would be exportable. Meals and Lodging, for example.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
A work force that is educated for jobs like CAD/CAM and other high tech endevours. We need to encourage our kids to stay here as entrepreneurs. Maine has always been handy and creative and we need to build on that.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
A sustainable way to maintain our transportation infrastructure.

1. Why are you running for office?
It's time to get serious about state spending, taxes and red tape that are strangling our economy. The current incumbents have done little to nothing to improve our business climate and to bring about the tax reform that is so desperately needed by so many of our residents. My experience running the City of Westbrook over the past 6 years will be used to help our collective new legislature change the way business is done in our great state.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Spending is out of control and we must look at ways to reduce non critical services and streamline others in an effort to reduce expenses. Everyone has a sense of what is important and by working together we can focus on what those truly essential services are and look to reduce or eliminate others. We need to run our state like a business and prioritize our house.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Absolutely not. With a budget such as what the state has to work with we can find the fat and trim it.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We must implement policies and procedures that make it easier and more attractive for businesses to either stay here or move here. We need to look at our regulatory policies and perhaps streamline them or eliminate those that get in the way of business and economic development.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to be able to say that I either initiated legislation or supported legislation that improved the quality of life for the majority of our residents and brought about increased economic opportunity.

1. Why are you running for office?
Serving in the Legislature is an extension of my lifelong work as a registered nurse. To ensure that those truly in need do not fall through the cracks and are provided the opportunity to get back on their feet, to provide the means for a strong educational foundation for our children, and to be a voice for our seniors who have given much for the betterment of our own lives.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
To develop and adopt a plan that addresses our impending future budget shortfall and at the same time preserving investment in workforce development, our cities and towns, growing our economy, infrastructure needs and protecting our quality of place.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
In the 124th Legislature, we worked in a bipartisan fashion to find efficiencies and coordinate services to reduce the current biennial budget by approx $840 million without raising taxes. We need to continue in that vein and to work in a collaborative effort, to find smarter and more efficient ways to deliver services at reduced cost to Maine citizens.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Energy cost reduction, regulatory predictability, further research and development of green and bio- technologies, wind and ocean energy development, responsible use of renewable resources. Job specific directed investment in our community colleges and university system, creation of a school of dentistry and continued encouragement of entrepreneurial growth.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Preservation of existing jobs and creation of new jobs through continued work on the Labor Committee. Once known for its partisanship and divisiveness, the committee is now becoming valued for its understanding, its thoughtful deliberation and fairness for working families and the business community as well.

1. Why are you running for office?
I've dedicated myself to my job in Augusta by working side-by-side with residents and businesses from across the State. Working in a nonpartisan way has helped me to pass 5 unanimous bills this session. It is been an honor to serve and I want to keep fighting for Scarborough.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The cliché answer is jobs, but it's more than jobs — it's economic development. We need to focus on policies that create economic opportunities. From empowering our graduates, to working to grow investment in the new Green economy — while there is no silver bullet, there is a lot we can do to promote economic development and allow the private sector to thrive again.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
In my first term, the Legislature approved, with bipartisan support, two balanced budgets — neither raised taxes. I am confident that we will balance the budget again by streamlining the cost of our government and reducing wasteful spending — while still ensuring we can provide for important services like education, roads and bridges, and property tax rebates.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Education, Energy, and Small Business are the three issues areas which I have and will continue to focus on. We need to prepare our graduates for careers. We need to encourage new jobs through energy efficiency and renewable energy. Finally, we need to ensure that small businesses are able to grow and create new opportunities.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Two years ago, I wanted make a big impact on energy policy in Maine. During the last two years, we rewarded tax incentives and rebates to thousands of Maine homeowners and hundreds of Maine businesses, encouraged growth in our new Green economy, and helped entrepreneurs start exciting new businesses. I think we've accomplished a lot, but there is more work ahead that I can contribute to positively.

1. Why are you running for office?
Scarborough is a family-centered community. I believe our representation in Augusta should reflect that. As a mother of four, I share families' concerns for education, the future of our children and their ability to live and work prosperously in Maine for generations to come.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The single biggest issue facing our state is the ability for future generations to prosper. With looming billion dollar shortfalls, we need to strategize where we invest our money. Every expenditure must be weighed carefully to determine whether or not it is a wise investment which will encourage economic development and prosperity.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. Nearly every reputable economist will tell you that raising taxes discourages business growth. Business growth is the key to prosperity and our ability to adequately fund education, infrastructure and programs to help our most vulnerable citizens.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Maine's taxes, electricity costs, regulations, healthcare and insurance costs must be brought closer to national norms. We do not need to be the best, we just need to be average. Maine's lifestyle and natural resources sell themselves. People want to live in Maine and businesses want to operate where quality employees are happy to live.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would like to see Maine overhaul its health insurance system the way Gov. McKernan overhauled workman's compensation. Our excessive mandates, high Mainecare enrollment and lack of market competition have increased costs to the point where some businesses are no longer able to offer good health coverage to their employees and those who do often find employees cannot afford their premiums.

1. Why are you running for office?
Over the past three years on the School Board I have seen our state continue in a direction that concerns me. The population is declining and aging, businesses are leaving, and job growth is slowing. In addition to that, because of a drop in state revenue, we have seen our education funding model leave communities like Scarborough with $1 million budget gaps to fill in a single year. Scarborough had to raise taxes, layoff teachers, and reduce services because of this drop in state revenue and funding model. Maine needs to address these issues, and so I'm running to ensure they get brought to the forefront of the discussion and work towards solutions.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Lack of growth. The state needs to take every step possible and necessary to drive economic development and job growth. And this needs to be priority number one. Because once job growth picks up, it will help solve other issues — it will help keep people in Maine, particularly young people and it will help state revenues without raising a single tax.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Maine's budget issues are serious ones. Maine's revenue stream is over-reliant on car sales and construction supply sales. We have large unfunded liabilities like the state retirement program and we have a depleted rainy-day fund, both of which are hurting our bond rating, causing us to pay a higher interest rate on our debts. All options need to be on the table, however a tax increase, particularly in a struggling economy has the potential to hamper economic growth, which I just said was Maine's biggest issue. A budget plan needs to be part of an overall economic development plan, as the two go hand-in-hand.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
It needs to be a combination of things. We need to focus on the industries Maine does well and then support them through investments in higher education so that when prospective businesses look at Maine, we are the clear choice because a large number of our people are educated in that field, ready to work. We need to then go after particular businesses we want in Maine and ask, what can we do to help you expand in Maine and then be prepared to do it. And finally, we need to support all the businesses that we already have so that they have the ability to grow and create new jobs in Maine; improving our tax structure and our reputation so the rest of the country thinks "Opportunity Land" not just "Vacation Land" when they hear our name.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to see Maine be more aggressive towards job creation. We need to consider some immediate steps to drive job creation and I would suggest that we ease the pressures on small business by cutting red tape and regulation. It takes longer to start a business here than it does in other states, we need to change that. We need qualified people working at state regulatory agencies, who are held to the same qualification standards as their private sector counter-parts. We also need to consider proven tax incentives that increase job growth and broaden the tax base that don't drive us further into debt. Finally, I would suggest that we look for good clean businesses that we want here in Maine and be more proactive about going after them. Lets tell them about the changes we're making and use smart economic development tools to get them here and support them.

1. Why are you running for office?
As a candidate for the House of Representatives, I seek to represent the "common man" with common sense solutions. We can't spend our way out of debt. I am disappointed in Maine's leadership, which has brought us a billion-dollar shortfall, an additional 11.5 billion in public debt, and Maine hospitals are struggling because we are unable to pay them $400 million dollars. Maine has tough economic challenges. We need to fulfill promises and we need to problem solve. I listen. I seek out solutions. I do not have a degree in political science, but I do understand balanced budgets. Who am I? I am a common everyday citizen. Having grown up in poverty, I understand the poor. After high school, I worked long hours to get to college. I understand that it takes hard work and determination to succeed. As a wife and mother of three, with two in college, I know how tough it is to make ends meet. My career in the dental field gives me first hand contact with people who need to make hard decisions about their healthcare and insurance needs. I have held elected office on several boards, and I volunteer in local and school activities. Together, we can and need to put Maine on the path to affordable, sustainable government.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The single biggest issue we face is our poor economic climate, which is a result of poor leadership.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We could improve the business climate by working toward lowering utility costs, removing burdensome regulations and lowering taxes. Last year, Maine was only one of three states with a declining population. 1.) Michigan. 2.) Rhode Island 3.) Maine. We have invested in our young people, but they are leaving the state due to lack of opportunity. Maine is now the "grayest" state in the nation. We need a stronger middle class with stronger private sector growth.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I believe in leading by example, thus I propose a cut in the size of the legislature. Did you know that Maine (1.3 million people) has more legislators than Texas (24.7 million)? I endorse reducing the size of the legislature by one third from 151 to 99 representatives.

1. Why are you running for office?
I first ran because the state decreased the homestead exemption and did not fully fund the commitment to education. This situation still exists. Citizens need tax relief. Maine needs to provide quality education to learners of all ages. The Legislature should set priorities then adjust spending to stay within the revenues(including paying off debt) Maine has many natural resources that need to be managed so future generations can enjoy them.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The economy. There needs to be nongovernmental jobs for the hard working Mainers. Education/training needs to be affordable and accessible to help workers prepare for the jobs

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I am willing to work hard on the budget so there is no need for a tax increase.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to emphasize/promote what we have.Clean environment with natural beauty- Example is ecotourism--we do not promote this as much as other parts of the world. Another source of jobs would be on line work--with high speed available in all of Maine. Manufacture of goods using our composite technology.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Tax relief for the Maine resident.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because I want to make a difference in Augusta. With my business experience and common sense I believe I'm the best candidate.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest challenge in Augusta today is reviving Maine's economy knowing that a robust economy will generate more revenue than tax increases.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I would avoid all tax increases for the state and pursue new revenue sources instead.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We must educate and re-educate our children and adult workforce for today's jobs. I will work to provide low cost energy, and to reduce red tape and incentivize businesses to grow.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
The one thing I'd like to accomplish is to go department by department and implement procedures to streamline state government. Like any other business, our state must be run efficiently in order provide necessary ser

1. Why are you running for office?
Having served on the Health and Human Services Committee during my two years in the House, I have learned much about how DHHS and the legislature work. My experience as a family doctor is extremely useful as it enables me to speak knowledgably to the issues and make responsible well-reasoned decisions. I would like to build upon what I have learned and begun in my first term of service.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Currently jobs and the economy are the biggest issues facing the state and many Maine families, as well. Too many people are unemployed, underemployed, or unhappily employed.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Increasing taxes in this economic climate is not advisable. Since we cannot predict the future, we need to keep all options open to deal with new challenges. Balancing the budget last term without increasing taxes was laudable but I do worry about passing the costs of education on to local taxpayers or the loss of vital safety net programs.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We could reevaluate and simplify the regulatory environment for small businesses, make health care more affordable for small business, reduce energy costs and educate a workforce that will attract businesses with high tech jobs and clean energy jobs.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Help grow jobs that would pay a livable wage, allow our children to stay and work in state, and allow our elders to retire without worrying about outliving their savings.

1. Why are you running for office?
I tried out for American Idol and was called a no talent bum. I figured Augusta was the place for me. In all seriousness, the State has real probables and we need to go in a new direction I'm as good as anyone to go in that direction.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Spending and deficits

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No I believe we can find significant savings in the revenues already generated. Also, a significant tax increase would only encourage deferred investment. This wouldn't help to fix our current economic trouble.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We don't have to reinvent the wheel here. We need to lower the tax burden in this state and reduce the bureaucracy. That way you don't need "two days and two lawyers to figure out what it all means," as our friend John conyers pointed out.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would work to make government more open and friendlier to business and people. Streamlining government would make it easier and cheaper for the State and the individual.

1. Why are you running for office?
I want to allow Maine's children an opportunity to stay and succeed here. By creating jobs and making it affordable to live in Maine, I hope to make that possible. I've committed my life to helping children and I'm committed to working hard to solve Maine's problems.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs and the Economy. Maine has to do a better job, both creating and attracting good paying private sector jobs. The combination of red-tape and Maine's tax structure has stifled the state's true job growth potential, which is something that need to be remedied.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Only time will tell what the budget will look like for the next legislature. I like to analyze every option, but at this time I don't feel that broad-based tax increases would be the best approach to improving the present economic climate.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
As business owners know, many times you need multiple licenses to operate. I know some convenience stores that need more than 10. As this one small example shows, Maine needs to do a better job streamlining the process for setting up shop in Maine and creating a more inviting business climate.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to bring common sense and good judgment to Augusta. My goals are to improve the business climate, insure quality education for our children, and make it more manageable for citizens to live, work and thrive in Maine.

1. Why are you running for office?
I have two children, and I want them to live and work in Maine. Too much regulation, too much spending, and poor management of human services and education have led to frustration among the voting public. We need lower energy costs and a return to a business focus.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Job creation — This state needs to focus on existing business growth, rather than our weak efforts to attract new business from out-of-state. I was the primary sponsor of the Business Equipment Tax Rebate, a program which had remarkable success. New initiatives are needed at this critical time.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Absolutely not. A recession is not the time to raise taxes. People in Maine are tightening their belts. Some have lost their jobs and their homes. How can Maine continue to pass along tax increases in this environment? This year, the state passed on tax pressure to the property tax by not funding revenue sharing and education at previous levels, passing the buck to town governments.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
The number one way to attract jobs is to reduce energy costs. There has not been a serious effort in this state to address the energy problem. We also need to reduce taxes and restructure the tax-incentive system.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
If elected, I will advocate for a smaller legislature, with 99 representatives and 33 senators. This is difficult to achieve but worth doing. The savings are significant, and there is no noticeable loss in representation.

1. Why are you running for office?
I believe the measure of a good representative is how much he or she can do for their community. Having legislatively secured the water off our own beachfront, I have demonstrated that measure. This two-year effort gave O.O.B. jurisdictional right forever.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs! Maine is positioned very well to move forward in this area once the economy starts to respond favorably. The budget was reduced by 1 billion dollars (6.5 to 5.5). This effort has helped position Maine well.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Absolutely No. It has been said many times, and I agree, that we cannot tax our way out of this economic downturn.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We have to become more business friendly. We will see more jobs coming soon for roads with recent bond package passed. The whole idea of more jobs is tied closely with the overall economy. Also banks should slowly loosen up so small business can invest. This, as well as the state being more business friendly.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would try to bring more sales tax money back to Old Orchard. We contribute millions each year only to see our state subsidize reduced. This is wrong and I will work to correct it.

1. Why are you running for office?
I have made important and productive connections in advancing local projects including the mitigation of erosion at Camp Ellis, and I am committed to seeing the project through to completion. I "know the ropes" in Augusta, and can use my experience to develop and pass needed bills to address complex issues facing Maine. Local citizens will attest that I have solved problems and been responsive to their needs. That's what I like to do, and that's why I am running for office.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Business development and jobs

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
It's too early to say. If there must be cuts, we must evaluate the true impact of every cut and continuously examine revenues to determine our fiscal position.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Maine workers must be trained for state-of-the-art jobs. I have connected major employers to machine trades program in community colleges to upgrade the skills of their existing work force and create work opportunities for students coming into the trade. Building on that model, we can strengthen our work force in manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, and other sectors to attract more business. Working with the Maine Marine Trade Association I have facilitated the creation of jobs in the boatbuilding industry.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To assure a quality education for our young people, providing them with the tools necessary to compete in the 21st century, and to paving the way to good paying jobs to enable them to live and thrive in Maine.

1. Why are you running for office?
When people talk about young people leaving the state to find jobs, those are not just statistics to me - those are my friends. When they talk about businesses that fail and homes that are being foreclosed on, those are not just statistics to me - those people are my friends. I see it every day and I can't sit by and let this happen. Someone has to do something about it and given my background and experience I believe I can help.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs. If you can't feed your family everything else, no matter how important it may otherwise seem, comes second. Anyone that tells you any differently hasn't been in some of the nieghborhoods I walk through or talked to the people I talk to everyday that are hurting. People now ask me for help in finding jobs, as an individual I do my best now, but so far I have only been able to help a few so far. As a legislator, I will be equipped to help many more.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. Families can barely afford the costs of living here as is.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Allow business to do business, not just paperwork. Simplfy our regulatory system so if an entrepeneur has an idea on Monday and the cash on Tuesday, he or she can start making money that weekend. Lower the income tax, energy and health care costs to entice employers to move to Maine and allow current businesses to employ more people.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
My mother worked 2, and at some times 3, jobs just to get us off welfare. I understand single parents can not return to work without affordable childcare. There can be no welfare reform without providing affordable childcare for underpriviledged families along with necessary education and training to become qualified to get jobs that earn enough to live off of without government assistance. I want to help everyone get back to work, but especially the single parents who don't want to be dependent on government aid any longer. People like my mother was, who is and always will be, my hero.

1. Why are you running for office?
To give the people and there children a better life. Every individual needs the opportunity to excel and I want to give them that chance by carrying the peoples voices to the state to be heard.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Taxes--they are to high and change needs to occur soon.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
NO, we need to stop unnecessary state spending.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Build casino's and greenhouses around the state to lift the economy back up.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To bring more jobs to our great state so that the economy gets the boost it needs to lower our taxes.

1. Why are you running for office?
I feel the same frustration that many citizens feel with government. I want good jobs, quality education, and affordable health care, but I also want less business regulation, lower taxes, and smaller government. For the last six years I have worked to find this balance, such as proposing a one-body, unicameral legislature which would have saved $15 million per budget. I have been, and will continue to be, a vocal advocate for fiscal moderation.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Maine needs to shed its anti-business, high tax image. Until we can pass various legislation that helps make Maine a destination place for business, we will not attract the companies and entrepreneurs needed to provide quality jobs that will grow the Maine economy.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I would oppose any increase in the income tax, and I have always opposed increasing the sales tax percentage when it was discussed in past budget negotiations.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Businesses are looking for a skilled workforce, access to capital, and low taxes. Therefore, we need to invest more in our Community Colleges, re-write existing incentives to attract out-of-state venture capital, and reform our tax code.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Tax reform. Just because the voters turned down the previous proposal we should not give up on it. We should continue to work on tax reform until we develop a new, bipartisan package that reflects the economics of Maine in the 21st century.

1. Why are you running for office?
I chose to run for office because I believe we all have the ability to advocate for change. I'm dedicated to ensuring Biddeford and Maine are thriving places that people are excited to work, live and play in.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest single issue facing Maine is attracting businesses and creating jobs in Maine.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
At this time we have no idea of what the exact budget situation will be. Until there is concrete information on things including the actual budget shortfall, state revenues and program funding needs I will keep all options under consideration and I look forward to working with all the other members of the legislature to find a reasonable solution.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to create more jobs in Maine, especially jobs in growing industries that provide living wages to their employees. To do this Maine has to be a more attractive state to do business in. I believe reducing energy costs, through investment in alternative energy generation, is the one step in making this important change.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
If elected I want to work to help people in Maine live healthier lives by ensuring people have access to healthy locally grown foods in their neighborhoods and in schools. I also want to work to ensure communities provide opportunities for being active through both indoors and out.

1. Why are you running for office?
To try and make a difference so that the saying "Maine, the way life should be" can once again mean something. To also try to help people have a more financially secure life by bring jobs back to Maine. We need our young people to stay and work here after they graduate from school.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs. We need more businesses in this state so that our people can work. Manufacturing, at one time, was a good source for jobs. However, over taxing and red tape drove these businesses out of our state.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. There are other ways of obtaining the money to balance the budget without raising taxes. Less government, less bureauocrats.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Make this a state where businesses could make a profit without unnecessary red tape. Lowering taxes for businesses, offering tax incentives for new businesses. Too many companies originally based in Maine for many years have left.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Work on cutting taxes which are a burden on many families in Biddeford who live from paycheck to paycheck. This would allow for the average citizen to save their money rather than give it to Augusta, where the money is spent on what Augusta wants, not the people who voted.

1. Why are you running for office?
Because I enjoy working on behalf of the people of my district, and I believe that I competently and actively advocate on their behalf. I desire to continue to work on education issues as well as issues that improve government efficiency.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The looming billion dollar shortfall. The budget needs to be fairly and conscientiously trimmed, yet we must be aware of the needs of our state and people. It is a huge balancing act.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. I don't see the workers of this state being able to absorb more taxes.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Specialized education coupled with the development of skilled workers is one step. Another is to develop policies that are friendly to business. Without nurturing business, there will be no jobs.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Continue to advocate for creative, pragmatic education reform. Throwing money at the issue is not the answer, as it involves a change in mindset, as well as a change in cultural thinking. I have been a teacher for 30+ years, and while there are successes, I feel that the system for many students, is broken.

1. Why are you running for office?
For the last 6 years serving as a Selectman for the Town of Alfred, I have observed and experienced the many shortcomings of our State Government. From the unfunded mandates levied on municipalities to the over-taxing of individuals, families and small businesses. I've seen the repeated failure of our elected State Officials on listening to the voice of their constituents especially when it comes to funding our struggling education programs and rapidly failing state infrastructure. Costs they are trying to push down onto the municipalities because of the States overspending in other areas. We have witnessed the rapid and unnecessary growth of our State Government and the overreaching of their authority as well as job killing regulations that are coming out of Augusta. Local/Hometown rule should not be dismissed or disregarded! It's time for real Mainers to take back their state government and leave the politics behind! Our state elections need to stop being popularity contests and we must elect the right people who are going to get the job done, bottom line!

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Maine is facing a projected shortfall of around $1 billion in our next budget. It's not going to be an easy road; there are tough decisions to be made. But as a state we cannot keep saying "Yes" to everything and continue spending the way we have been in the past.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
There is no easy answer to this question. First we need to take a good hard look at the size and structure of our state government and its departments. We need to seriously look at how many mid to upper level managers are in each of these departments and the size of their accompanying staffs. I feel there is much room for restructuring which could lead to millions in tax dollar savings while also creating and saving jobs. With those types of savings we can put the money back into our struggling education programs and fix our failing roads, bridges and deteriorating infrastructure. We need to avoid cutting out those ground level, grass root workers who are actually delivering the direct services to our citizens but, there is vast opportunity when you are looking at the three to four levels of management above them. We need to identify and eliminate any double work being performed at the different levels of government. Remember, our Maine State Government is the largest employer in the entire state.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to create better opportunities and reasonable incentives that welcome new small business to Maine while also protecting our precious resources. We must also increase incentives for those businesses already here. We must encourage both to create new, good paying jobs for Mainers which will hopefully reduce the number of Mainers currently unemployed and strengthen our tax base. Possibly we could even offer tax incentives for those businesses that reach a certain percentage of new hires that are taken from our state's unemployment compensation rolls. Let's put Mainers back to work!

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would like to introduce legislation that will adopt residency requirements for non residents of Maine coming into our state only to receive Maine State Welfare. We need to eliminate the pretense of just by crossing into our state for the day only to receive state and local aid is over. This aid should be for our Maine families and those individuals who have fallen on hard times or truly need help. Of course there needs to be some exceptions but based only on a case-by-case basis.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running to make a difference. I have spent a lifetime doing just that ~ whether empowering children as their music teacher, volunteering in my community, or working on local and global issues about which I feel passionate.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The overwhelming consensus is that creating/attracting/maintaining good jobs and improving Maine's economy is our biggest concern. If elected, I will work to restructure our tax base to encourage job creation and provide tax relief to municipalities. However, that being said, all issues such as education, our environment, and health care are interconnected.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Hopefully we would create a fiscally responsible budget that would not necessitate such extreme measures.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Establish appropriate measures to make Maine more friendly to business and encourage small businesses to expand. Train or retrain new and unemployed workers to fill existing jobs. Work with our schools, community colleges and the university system to continue to prepare our students for jobs in the 21st century. Encourage banks to release more funding for green energy projects, including research and development.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Increase the number of good jobs available in Maine and therefore reduce unemployment rates.

1. Why are you running for office?
The state has spent its way into debt. People and businesses are over taxed and over regulated. We must improve the business climate in Maine. I will go to Augusta and fight against any tax increases and wasteful spending.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Overspending of taxpayer money. The less the government regulates, then the less money will be needed. This money will stay in the pockets of those who earned it rather than the hands of Maine legislators.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. Maine people and businesses are taxed enough as it is. Increasing taxes will not solve the problem. Spending cuts must happen in order to achieve a balanced budget.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Get the government out of the way. They place too many regulations and taxes on private businesses. Allow more businesses to open and Let the consumer decide what businesses would prosper. Follow free market principles.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Improve the overall business climate in the state of Maine. Small businesses are the back bone of this state and country.

1. Why are you running for office?
To serve the public. To help connect citizens with State and Federal agencies. To contribute to an atmosphere of civility in public discourse. To demonstrate to citizens that government has a face and that government exists to serve and protect.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The budget. I have no expectation that additional Federal recovery funds will be available. The priority must be for the State to provide adequate financial assistance for public education and municipal operations.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Impress upon the Federal government that employer withholding taxes impact on job creation. The $106,000 ceiling on Social Security withholding should be lifted so that the withholding rate for those making less than that amount may be reduced. Currently the expanded State Pine Tree Zones provide incentives for the creation of "high value" technology and manufacturing jobs. This should be expanded to cover ALL jobs. During a Great Recession, every job is a high value job.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To have the formula which determines the amount of State assistance to school districts adjusted for the decline in home values due to foreclosures and distressed sales.

1. Why are you running for office?
Having just completed my second term, I am proud to say that my reasons for running are unchanged. Fundamentally, I want to create a better future for my children (and consequently everyone's) so that they can live and work in Maine.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Economy. Maine has a rich history of hard work and innovation, our mills produce more today than ever, but with fewer workers. Maine must continue to look at non-traditional industries and recognize the economic value of the non-profit sector jobs.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. My committee (Appropriations) passed two unanimous state budgets without raising taxes. Maine's working families cannot easily take on new tax burdens and for this reason, I have not and do not support broad-based tax increases to balance the budget.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We have to recognize that no one has the simple answer. Energy costs, transportation, red tape, taxes, workforce, and access to capital all play a role in where companies locate. We must address each complexity to compete.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I have introduced several bills that were the cares of my constituents and have proudly passed many of them. I will continue to listen to my constituents and be a clear voice for ALL of the people of District 140.

1. Why are you running for office?
I believe we need new people in the State House. Now like two years ago, I was so outraged when the democrats paraded the elderly and handicapped people in front of DHHS committee, and told them if DHHS did not get more money, they would lose their benefits. I don't care if the democrats, republicans, or the green, orange, or purple party are in charge, those people are not going to lose their benefits. There are plenty place to cut without scaring older people or the handicapped.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Wasteful spending — We send enough money to Augusta, we just need to prioritize how we spend it.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
NO!

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Cut the red tape- let business do business. The over-regulation of business in this state is why companies don't move here. Along with our very high power rates, why would any business come.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Stop the State from balancing the budget on the backs of the property taxpayer. If the State is not going to fund education, than give us our income tax back. The income tax was put in to help keep property taxes low. How's that working?

1. Why are you running for office?
When I was Vice-President at U.N.E., I led the fundraising and lobbying efforts which produced over a decade of remarkable growth and hundreds of steady jobs in Southern Maine. As a first term Legislator, I was the Lead Sponsor of six bills which are now laws in Maine, including important steps forward in fighting Lyme Disease and in creating a funding structure for the new FEMA mandated floodplain maps. I am actively engaged in several local efforts which directly affect businesses and residents in both our downtown and Lower Village areas. On all of these important issues, my opponent remained passive on the sidelines and has offered little input, knowledge or participation. I pledge to continue leading on the complicated playing fields which impact Kennebunk and Maine.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest single challenge is job growth: creating and attracting new industries and entrepreneurial enterprises while also expanding opportunities for small businesses and successful traditional trades and industries.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I support a major decrease in the state income tax and raising and expanding the sales tax on a smaller scale than the one proposed this past June.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
A. Tax incentives for existing large, medium and small businesses.
B. More start-up funding for entrepreneurs, especially in Research and Development.
C. Lower the state income tax.
D. Aggressively protect and insure our quality of life and a healthy environment.
E. Provide incentives for alternative energy sources; i.e., green jobs.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Build out a large Research and Development and Educational Industry which would create a more highly-skilled and educated workforce while we also secure permanent additional funding for Land For Maine's Future and our State Parks system.

1. Why are you running for office?
My goal is to represent the best interests of Sanford and Maine people in a way that promotes transparency and accountability, and personal, environmental, cultural, and economic health. My focus is on prevention and wellness in all matters.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Health care costs. They undermine families, business, and government. We need to think of health care as more than drugs and surgery, and have insurance cover healthy alternative therapies that show measurable results for individual patients. We need to avoid environmental threats such as toxic chemicals in products, pollution, foods that stress our bodies, and wireless radiation effects.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Not without seriously addressing healthcare costs first. The best budget balancer would be to reduce medical expenditures by incentivizing healthy alternatives by patients and doctors, and rewarding success, including that of insurance companies that partner with us. Medical costs should not be incurred just because someone else is paying the bill. Education is more costly when children and teachers are not well nourished and healthy. As for taxes, tax reform has been a major focus of our legislature, in an effort to lower income taxes by about 25%, reduce the overall burden to Maine citizens, and spread sales taxes across a wider array of products, mostly on non-essential or infrequent purchases. I'll continue to support efforts like these because it is fairer to products already taxed, and gives people more choices of where their taxes are paid.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
First, we need to emphasize what a fabulous state Maine is, crow about it, build up the arts, schools and cultural quality of communities, and encourage volunteerism that builds on all of that. I am a big proponent of bonds to support infrastructure work, because Maine has a top credit rating, interest rates are down, the job needs to be done, and people need the work. We need to build our green businesses and tourism; Maine is known as green. We need to support entrepreneurship and small businesses that are here, and encourage even very small ones. The State needs to partner with new ventures and innovation, in exchange for a share of the profits that result. Our community colleges are centers of learning for all ages needing skills that industry is seeking; we need to keep supporting their growth and partnership with business.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to help people understand the massive health risks associated with cell phone use by children or by anyone without safety measures, and related wireless issues, because this is a vast and essentially unregulated industry.

1. Why are you running for office?
I genuinely would like to do my part to strengthen Maine. Which means supporting economic development, education and infrastructure investments. We need to make wise investments in our state so others want to live, work and play here.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Education is crucial to Maine's survival. A well educated workforce is the cornerstone to a strong economy. It will attract businesses to Maine and help defray the tax burden many of our citizens are currently struggling under.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I cannot say I am for or against a tax increase. I believe we need to be more fiscally responsible and eliminate excessive spending. However, we must continue to invest in our state so it continues to grow and flourish.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to strengthen our schools, while providing incentives that make Maine desirable for businesses to relocate to. Promoting Maine as a tourist destination will also bring more jobs to the lakes, beaches and resorts.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would work tirelessly to keep Sanford and Southern Maine's concerns and needs forefront in Augusta.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running for office to raise expectations. Maine should be offering a better quality of life to the next generation, and its citizens should not be looking to government to replace the benefits of hard work.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Maine must focus on attracting and retaining businesses that provide long-term job opportunities for our residents. Business growth is the only way that Maine will be able to lower taxes, improve education, reform welfare, and sustain our quality of life.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. The current economic climate has forced families and businesses to do more with less. Government should be expected to do the same. We must work hard to cut wasteful spending and improve efficiency, without harming schools and human services.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We can use existing State programs more effectively to support private sector investment, lowering the overall cost of doing business in Maine and focusing on comprehensive technical programs in our schools that will better meet the needs of today's employers.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I will work on legislation that reduces the income tax over time by targeting our current inefficiency and waste. We need to reduce the tax burden to once again make Maine affordable for the middle class and attractive to businesses.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am compelled to step forward to offer my expertise in what I sense will be the most challenging years in our lifetimes.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The impending collapse of the United States monetary system.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Are you kidding?

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We can't. Not now. The best we can hope for is to keep everyone fed and sheltered.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To hope for the best, but plan for the worst by establishing committees of safety throughout the state to insure public welfare no matter what comes our way.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running because I truly enjoy helping my constituents. It is very rewarding to help them navigate the state departments. I have been very successful at finding funds that have been in the state coffers and returning them to the citizens. It has been my pleasure to work as an advocate for Veterans and education and would like to continue to do so another term.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Enticing new employers…hence jobs In order to create jobs we must have a friendlier approach by streamlining bureaucracy, creation of a better climate for investing, and educating our youth for future employment. Investing in vocational education is a necessity.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I would not support this.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
If we make it easier to start new businesses, have less taxes, lower cost insurance for new employees by allowing insurance to be purchased out of state for less cost, and changing the estate tax so more people will invest, and finding lower costing energy, I believe we could bring more jobs to our state.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would work for reasonable property taxes for Veterans. Many of our Veterans have given up years of earning for the future, many are dealing with health issues as a result of serving our country and need a worth while benefit.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running because I believe Topsham needs a fresh start in Augusta with a new voice that is more aware of all the issues facing our community. My experiences on the M.S.A.D. #75 School Board and on the Topsham Finance Committee have prepared me to work with civilly people from all parties, and a variety of viewpoints, and bring them together to solve problems and come to decisions jointly. I think that hard work, attention to detail, and careful listening to the people of Topsham will help me get more done for our community at the State House.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest issue currently facing the people of Maine is a lack of jobs that pay well.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I would only support such an increase at this time if it was dedicated to building down our debt, including unfunded liabilities, and sustaining our schools in a time of declining revenues. I would also expect any increase, such as a sales tax increase, to have a sunset clause that would limit the period of the increase. But we must be cautious about saying we are not raising taxes at the state level when we are simply shifting greater costs to school districts and municipalities — so that they are forced to raise property taxes.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Bring healthcare and energy costs down, lower top income tax rate. Expand opportunities for small business growth and entrepreneurs. Also, become leaders in alternative energy generation — especially wind and tidal. Create clusters of small high-end or technological manufacturers. Streamline our state permitting processes by moving all business permitting into a single state agency.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Finding a way to help small and medium sized businesses provide healthcare for their employees and address other barriers to small business growth and success.

1. Why are you running for office?
State government is spiraling out of control. I am committed to ending the slide and feel confident that my service would be beneficial both statewide and in the local community. I also believe that voters deserve a choice when they pick up their ballot. 2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state? The predicted structural gap of $1 Billion Dollars is a disaster waiting to happen. Any ship can be a mine sweeper - once. We are negotiating a Fiscal minefield NOW. Getting our financial house in order is crucial. We must bring in new private sector jobs and the taxes they generate. Belt-tightening demands that every expense be on the table of scrutiny. Extraordinary effort must be made to bring new businesses to Maine.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
NO

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We must restructure orgainzationally placing greater emphasis on economic development. This will result in a more aggressive and far-reaching, business-friendly approach. The recent effort by the Maine Dental Association to expose potential new practitioners to our beautiful state provides is an excellent example of how outreach can be made to work.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to reduce the rate of unemployment, thereby helping to erase the deficit.

1. Why are you running for office?
To serve the people of Brunswick and the State of Maine

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
There are many important issues facing the state of Maine; chief among them are the slowly recovering economy, the need for better paying jobs, the need for a work force which is educated to perform those better paying jobs, and the need for quality, affordable health care for all Maine people.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Not when the economy is beginning to recover from the deep recession.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
By providing a workforce in all parts of the state of Maine which has the skills to perform 21st century jobs, and by ensuring a long term state government policy which encourages clean, growing industries, such as composites and biotechnology, which can provide jobs paying a good wage.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To work for quality, affordable health care for all Maine people

1. Why are you running for office?
Democratic politicians have essentially controlled Maine Government for decades. They have left Maine on the verge of bankruptcy, one of the highest taxed states in America, hostile to business and jobs, leading America in welfare, and taking away our rights.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The anti jobs, the anti business, and the anti prosperity climate created by the Democrat one party rule of Maine for so long.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No!

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Lower taxes, streamline the permitting process, eliminate bureaucratic red tape and unnecessary burdensome regulations, and look into harnessing the enormous tides of the Bay of Fundy to provide renewable cheap energy (Maine pays 1 and 1/2 times the national average for energy.).

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Restore Maine government to sanity. Maine government should live within its means, should not take as much of its residents' money, should respect and protect its citizens' rights, and should promote prosperity by creating a job friendly environment.

1. Why are you running for office?
I have worked my whole life to help others and to improve my community. As long time member of Kiwanis Club I have been involved helping others and working to improve our community and taking responsibility and leadership for Standish. I have been involved in town politics by representing Standish at State conventions and currently act at Republican town committee secretary. As a salesperson I know how to work with others to find solutions and to face the challenges we face and to work to achieve best ways to help businesses and work on issues affecting all of us.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Financial: Budget/Tax Reform making sure those who have is paying fairly while those who struggle are not unduly burdened. We are facing a shortfall around a billion dollars in next state budget and need to make real changes to a system that perpetuates itself instead of making real change legislators keep it going.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to reduce the burden on small business which is main engine of our economy. Need to improve Information Technology/Internet and at least make zones where business can be nurtured and take advantage of future where work/home surrounding will be our greatest asset to being destination for businesses.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Work on Welfare Reform: I have read that one in three Mainer's is trapped in some form of Welfare Dependency and this impacts not only big cities but our towns just as much. Welfare rolls have grown even

1. Why are you running for office?
Like most people in Standish, I get up early and work hard to support my family. I want to bring the working people's voice to Augusta

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Growing our economy to help solve our states ongoing budget issues.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
I worked hard to expand the Pine Tree Development zone law statewide in the 124 legislature. We need to find ways like this to help businesses expand or locate in our state. The Pine Tree law eliminates taxes for businesses that locate or expand in Maine while ensuring that they provide quality, good paying jobs for Maine people.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want all our kids to graduate and find a meaningful career here in our great state.

1. Why are you running for office?
Maine has many problems that need fixing and I think people need a representative who does not look at things from an "us vs them" perspective. I consider myself to be more of a Green Libertarian and I want to help people to keep as much of their paycheck as possible so they can rely on their own hard work and not the government to get by.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Too many Mainers are out of work and are having to rely on some type of government assistance to feed their families. State government needs to help empower these people to take care of themselves, not to fully take care of them, thus taking away their sense of self worth and responsibility. Maine's business climate needs to improve drastically, with an emphasis on agriculture and small, locally owned and controlled businesses. Mainers are independent by nature and want to keep it that way.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
The future is hard to predict, but Mainers have spoken loud and clear that raising taxes is not an acceptable solution.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Eliminating roadblocks for small businesses and for manufacturing jobs would be a huge help. Also, if we could take advantage of a 2009 Maine law allowing farmers to grow industrial hemp (since the US is the number one importer of the non-drug crop and it has literally thousands of uses), then farmers would have a new crop to grow that is good for their soil and the bottom line, not to mention processing jobs, shipping jobs, etc. Farmers in Canada are currently getting paid more for an acre of hemp than soybeans or corn. Biodegradable plastic, anyone?

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would like to be an independent voice in the state legislature. Too many politicians seem to show more loyalty to their party than to the voters who elected them. I will gladly stand up to any group or party who wants to put their agenda ahead of the needs of the state of Maine. Time for the political BS to end, period.

1. Why are you running for office?
The House seat #103 opened up unexpectedly and I after prayer and discussion with family and friends, I was moved to run. This is an important election where you are voting for status quo vs. a new direction.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Poor business environment. Forbes magazine ranked Maine 50th of 50 states. A healthy and growing business climate would positively affect all walks of life: jobs, healthcare, charity … The current party in power does not believe this and so we are struggling.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No, there are too many ways we can cut spending and still be on track. Maine needs a vision of what is important and than should fund those areas. The past leadership failed in doing the right thing…this one cannot. 4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine ? Less rules and regulations. What if Maine went to supporting small business as opposed to creating barriers? What if the rules made business creation easy? Businesses would flock here given our quality of life.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Improve our business environment by supporting growth and the positive things that would come from that growth. Maine is a wonderful place and we need leaders who will make us proud!

1. Why are you running for office?
My business ownership experience, and current position of consulting in business managment places me in the position to be a positive force on the conversation needed in Augusta to invigorate our economy. I have been compelled by the struggle of Maine people and small businesses owners to improve their lives, and wish to be a part in helping them do that.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Unemployment, reduced economic activity.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
As Maine is near the highest per capita taxed state in the country, the budget should be balanced by cutting expenditures and increasing business growth.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
By reducing impediments to small business start ups, such as the chaotic administration of regulations, by increasing capital avaialble to businesses, by providing tax incentives for businesses that create jobs if they come into Maine, by reducing the income tax level, by promoting our eco-tourism business more, by developing technology centers for alternative energy research and development, by linking our educational institutions with both current employer needs in Maine, and future, desirable businesses.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Be a catalyst to the conversation to create more jobs. Make the lives of Maine people more financially secure.

1. Why are you running for office?
To reduce the size and scope of government

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Economy/Jobs

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Would support tax decrease and spending cuts.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Reduce government involvement in business affairs, reduce taxes on businesses and individuals while maintaining Maine's pristine environment. Promote Maine throughout the country as a great place to live and work, buy low cost energy from hydro Quebec. Incent the University of Maine to become the leader in LED lighting research to bring down the cost of the real future of lighting: LED lights. Talk to all the major car manufacturers with the purpose of bringing a hybrid or electric car manufacturing plant to Maine. Incent wood stove manufacturers to build their products in Maine. Incent the University of Maine to research geothermal heating for private residences and businesses and how to build roads that will not develop potholes. Most important of all look for private ways to improve the economy through free market economics. Bottom line more business less government=more jobs which allows for a larger tax base and less taxes for all and a better life for all. We have experimented with big government solutions to solve Maines issues for the last 35 years, it is time to give small government solutions and free market capitalism a try.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Get the Department of Transportation to change the ice melting mix on roadways so that it does not adhere to the bottom of vehicles thus reducing the rate of rusting on brake and fuel lines and other vehicle parts.

1. Why are you running for office?
We are facing considerable challenges in our state due to the worldwide economic condition, the rural nature of our state and long-term governmental structures to name a few. We have also made significant steps to capture opportunity; developing a stronger community college system, graduating more students than ever from our university system, investing in job creation and preparing workers for 21st century jobs and protecting our natural resources and future of the quality of place. My six years of experience on Health and Human Services and the Appropriations Committee have helped me understand the details necessary to prepare for this upcoming legislative session and I want to contribute.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs and our economic future. The economic downturn and other constraints have made it increasingly difficult to grow our ability to prepare our children and current workers for a 21st century economy while protecting current jobs.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I would support a tax reform package which would reduce Mainer's overall tax burden and would attract entrepreneurs and attract new jobs and businesses. Such a plan was approved by the legislature in a recent session. It would have reduced taxes on Maine tax payers by $57 million the first year. Opponents were effective in pointing out flaws; some of which I agreed were troubling. I wanted to get the basic package in place, begin tax relief and go back and improve the package for more fairness.
The voters have spoken and I will return to attempt to address the real flaws in the previous plan, and work to create real tax relief that still responsibly pays for required services and the cost of competing for 21st century jobs in Maine.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
As I just mentioned, a tax reform package that reduced income tax would attract more businesses and jobs. However, it must be done in a way that allows us to do the other important steps to bring more jobs to Maine; proper education of children to prepare for 21st century careers, supporting community college training, investing in university educations, job creation through research and development, economic development efforts, re-training of current workers, assuring our families are safe and also investing in our quality of place and quality of life that makes Maine the place we call home.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
We will be faced with another billion dollars in cuts which we handled responsibly in the last budget. I want to ensure we carefully plot a course through these challenges while keeping an eye on our growth and future. I am particularly interested in supporting economic development through the creative/innovation economy; creating 21st century jobs

1. Why are you running for office?
I love this job. The hours are long, the pay is low, and it's very humbling to represent your constituents in Maine policy matters. I run to continue working to increase jobs, opportunities, and bridge our economic needs with protecting our natural resources. No small task, but I'm ready to get to work immediately once session begins based on my experiences in the last session.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
JOBS. There are many important issues, such as affordable health care, education, economic growth, etc., but without good jobs for Mainers, the others are more difficult to address. I believe in the statement that we should be looking at each legislative bill with an eye towards the job impact, whether it increases or decreases job opportunities.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
It's easy for someone to just say "no" to this, and that much harder to stick with it when unforeseen issues come up in session. I promise to assess any proposal for tax increases or decreases in real time.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
I am working extensively in the recycling policy area, and there are great job and entrepreneurial opportunities in creating markets for products currently land filled or incinerated. If we continue to set up product stewardship programs such as our existing one for televisions, we can create more hauling and consolidation jobs, and new markets for end-of-life products.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to continue my work on protecting our environment at the same time of bringing new job opportunities to Mainers. If I can leave office knowing that I helped create good jobs for families, that is a worthy goal.

1. Why are you running for office?
I'm prepared by education, experience, and discipline to help the Legislature solve its severe financial crisis.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The current fiscal crisis, brought on by 30-years of undisciplined budgetary growth, must be resolved.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Tax increases of any kind and at any level at this time in Maine's history would be foolhardy and counter-productive to economic development.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Simplify the tax system, reduce the overall level of taxes, reduce and/or cut selected government programs, simplify/streamline business rules & regulations.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Help solve the critical fiscal crisis. Everything is on the table. Other issues are secondary priorities.

1. Why are you running for office?
I believe that Augusta needs to hear from small business owners who know the real issues and road blocks to creating new jobs...and want to do something about it! I have worked very hard for my constituents over the past four years. And I have a track record and respect on both sides of the aisle and work in a bi-partisan way.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The single biggest issue is multifaceted.... we need to return the state to a working state. A state that supports private sector business. This can be accomplished through fair taxation, lower energy costs, quality educated workforce and a consistent regulatory process.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Not at this time.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Basically the same answer as number two...but we have to return to a balance of all the issues...taxation, regulatory, education, quality of place, social services, energy supply and costs. And we need to increase consistency in our rules and regulations, so business can depend on Maine....and Maine can depend on business, which equals JOBS!

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
If elected, and I am returned to the Health and Human Services committee, I will be in the thick of trying to craft an appropriate DHHS budget to support Maine's most vulnerable but without breaking the backs of the tax paying citizens of Maine. I hope to listen and be fair. And help the state navigate to become a more sustainable and prosperous economy.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am retired from the U.S. Army and recently from healthcare after a 35 year career. I have the capacity and commitment to focus on what is necessary to properly represent my district where we have lived for the past thirty years. I have the experience and courage needed in order to make tough decisions in Augusta. As a certified umpire for both school baseball and softball, I call things as I see them by having a clear understanding of the rules and always giving my best on the field.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Confidence in our elected officials. There seems to be an overwhelming mistrust in our current elected officals at all levels. I want to re-establish trust in our government.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No! Our citizens are paying more than their fair share. I feel that there may be waste in the system as well as revenue opportunities that can reduce expenditures. Just reducing jobs is the easy solution but not be the right solution. I will question every expenditure and measure the true value associated with this expense.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
First, by helping our current businesses with opportunities to maintain their current business. Retention of current business capacity is important to demonstrate to all new business ventures that Maine is a good state to start a business. Also, we should maximize the use of our resources, not only nantural resources, but also our most important resource, hard working Mainers.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Renew confidence in our elected officials and restore our middle class to what it should be. I do not want to see us as a state that has two classes, the ones that have and the ones that do not.

1. Why are you running for office?
Change state policies to keep and attract jobs, reduce welfare roles, change insurance regulations to reduce costs in Maine, constrain our government to its legitimate constitutional role. I have a broad range of experience in residential construction, agriculture, forestry, and in public service, as well as knowledge of our constitutions and the intent behind them.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
It's hard to choose just one, but improving our business climate and restoring and creating jobs is definitely a priority.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. I signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Reform regulatory and review policies to attract rather than discourage business growth and reduce business taxes to a level that allows us to compete with other states.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Restore Maine's economy, which has been lagging even before the current recession. This would include cutting waste and inefficiency in government, policies that grow and attract business, welfare reforms to curb the flood of people coming to Maine to reap the benefits of our overly generous welfare system and allow recipients to work their way off welfare, health insurance reforms to lower health insurance costs by repealing expensive, unaffordable mandates, creating health savings accounts and risk pools, and allowing free market competitive options across state lines.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because the communities of Gray, North Yarmouth and Gray deserve a legislator who will work on decreasing taxes, creating jobs, reforming our health care system and making government more efficient and effective. I will work in a bipartisan manner to work on the very difficult issues our State faces as we pull ourselves out of recession.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest single issue is the lack of good jobs and the State's ability to climb out of recession.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. We need to make government more efficient and effective. If cuts need to be made they need to be made with a scalpel not a hatchet.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Support small business growth through tax breaks and incentives. Support growth of innovative technologies such as clean energy and bio technology. Market Maine as the best place to live and raise a family.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Make health care reform a reality to ensure quality health care at a lower cost. This would further support the growth and sustainability of small business.

1. Why are you running for office?
We cannot keep sending the same party back to Augusta and expect different results. Now more than ever, we need different results! Maine is the 6th highest taxed state in the nation and our working families are among the lowest paid. I am running to help turn our economy around. We need to find ways to reduce state spending and provide real tax reform to Maine families and small businesses.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
High taxes and the impact this has on Maine families and small business.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No!

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Make Maine a better place for small business to start and do business. They have too many obstacles to overcome and the taxes are too high. Eliminate the red tape and reduce the taxes and business will have more money and energy to put into their business, thus the business will grow and employ more people.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Make Maine a better place for small businesses to do business

1. Why are you running for office?
I have always enjoyed public service and have been involved with it in one way or another for most of my life. I have served in the Maine House of Representatives for the last six years and I am looking forward to serving for another term.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs and the economy. Until we get people working and earning enough money to support themselves, the economy will continue to struggle.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. If we take more money that will mean that people will have less to spend and it will do more harm to the economic situation.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Reduce taxes and make it less difficult for businesses to start or succeed in Maine.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want Maine Government to do our part in turning this difficult economic situation around. I also look forward to helping people who are having trouble dealing with state government. I plan to continue to play a key role on the Criminal Justice Committee.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running for the Legislature to continue the work I have been doing to strengthen Maine's public education system by providing accessible and affordable higher education to prepare our citizens for the jobs and the economy of the 21st century. I also want to work collaboratively to create an environment where businesses can prosper. I want to make wise and careful decisions to insure government efficiency, a balanced budget, and work to reduce Maine's income tax burden.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
I believe that the biggest single issue facing Maine is the need to grow our economy and provide good jobs for our citizens. I believe that the best way to restore our economic health begins with our investment in innovative educational programs.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
When I arrived in Augusta 2 years ago, the State of Maine faced a huge budget deficit. We spent many months reviewing all departmental budgets. We reduced Maine's General Fund budget by almost $850 million, without tax increases. In the past 7 years, 1,000 state government positions have been eliminated (about 8.8% of the work force). I am concerned about the mounting impact these cuts have on local property taxes, on our ability to invest in important education initiatives, and on the impact on our ability to support our elderly, disabled, and most vulnerable citizens. All signs indicate that the State will face further, serious budget challenges. Any responsible Legislature has to weigh and evaluate all options; learn the specifics of state revenues, shortfalls and program needs; and balance the responsibilities of government with the ability of our citizens to pay.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Innovative programs (for instance in biotechnology, or renewable energy, or marine science) developed through cooperative programs with the university and the private sector is one way. Streamlining our business regulatory system will help businesses to come to Maine, to stay in Maine, and to grow in Maine. We need to provide capital to help our small Maine businesses grow and prosper.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to raise Maine's high school graduation rate, and raise the number of Mainers who seek further education and training after high school. This will enrich the quality of life for our citizens, improve their economic prosperity, and make Maine more attractive to prospective business development. I also want to expand our investment in early childhood education.

1. Why are you running for office?
I'm concerned that not enough of us, who are interested and engaged in the issues, become involved in the process. Many believe their voice is not being heard and an agenda that represents only one direction becomes priority.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Attitude. The Maine Legislature needs to change its attitude on spending, taxes, business, welfare, and education. Accountability to the taxpayers must be obligatory and transparent. Problem solving requires new leadership and vision.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. Spending problems can't be solved with the same thinking that created them. Government should make budget decisions using common sense. Mainers do so in their personal budgets. Fiscal independence needs to be a priority.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
I would work to incentivize a business friendly atmosphere that encourages business to come to Maine, stay in Maine and invest in Maine. Educators need to provide courses and training that meets the requirements of current and future employers.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To serve my district with principled leadership using common sense to connect ideas that will lead to fiscally viable positive results.

1. Why are you running for office?
I beleive, that over the course of my thirty three year career in public safety, I have consistently demonstrated leadership skills that the voters of my District will find important to the work of a state legislator.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs. We must commit to support the sustainability and growth of small businesses in Maine. I am willing to work with both Democrats and Republicans to tackle this issue. Good jobs have no party labels.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Seeking realistic efficiencies, beyond general across the board cuts, reflect half an answer to our budget problem. We may also have to consider restructuring revenue formulas to help balance citizen expectations with their willingness to pay for government services.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Reduce overhead costs for businesses. Address three key policy areas: energy, insurance, and the regulatory environment. Appropriate targeted funds to higher education, including university activities in research and development.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Restore public confidence in the Legislature's ability to make decisions that are in the public's best interest and not simply exercises in partisan competition. The challenges are too great to rely on a "who's winning" approach to governing.

1. Why are you running for office?
I see the changes Maine needs-- lower taxes, better jobs, smarter welfare, more people back to work. At some point, I decided that if I wanted see change happen, I needed to stop talking about it and start doing something.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The State is spending taxpayer money in ways we don't want it spent. We work hard-- the State should be held accountable for how they spend our taxes. This is key to more jobs and fewer tax increases.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Absolutely not. We can't afford it—no one can. If you're at home, you can't spend more money than you've budgeted… why should it be allowed to happen with the State? It's a basic principle, but they miss it in Augusta.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Lower the tax burden on Maine business. Then, speed up the regulatory approval process. Lower energy and insurance costs… and try working with businesses considering locating themselves in Maine instead of against them. It seems like simple stuff to me.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to be a decisive part of the process that makes this state business-friendly again. I know that this isn't something that will change overnight, but I can help lay the foundation for a healthy, successful, prosperous Maine.

1. Why are you running for office?
We are worse off now than we were just a few years ago. Many of our current representatives are only representing a small portion of people in the state: they are ignoring tax-paying working families who struggle to make ends. I want to make sure these people in Portland finally get a voice in government.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The economy: whether it is a shrinking job market, out of control taxing-and-spending, or the fact that our best and brightest young people have to leave the state to make a good living. These are all issues that must be addressed — and can be — with creativity and common sense. We must restore fiscal discipline and responsibility to Augusta.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. The budget should be balanced by eliminating waste, inefficiency, and by a strict outside audit of the state's finances.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Many small businesses can't hire new people, and are instead forced to lay off existing workers, because of the state's tax system that makes little difference in ability to pay between a large corporation and small "Mom and Pop" businesses. We need to focus on fostering an environment that allows all businesses to hire and employ more people.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to be able to leave office with the knowledge that the state is better off than it was before, and that people will have a higher expectation of what to expect from their public servants: an expectation of truthfulness, responsibility, transparency, and accountability.

1. Why are you running for office?
Hard working people should not have to worry about their family's health care, their children's education, their mortgage or rent, their aging parents, or their own old age. But many of us do. I want to work to change that.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
2000 years ago Julius Caesar conquered Gaul using the strategy of divide and conquer. I don't know who's using that strategy today, but our society seems to be increasingly polarized. if we stay so divided, we, too, will be conquered.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
The budget process should include a thorough and transparent review of all expenses and revenues, including the entire tax code and the $3+ billion annual credits and exemptions to the excise, income, and sales taxes.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to better support existing small businesses and encourage new entrepreneurial investments by developing a well-trained, skilled workforce, reducing health care costs, and restoring progressive fairness to the State tax codes.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
The Maine Legislature makes important decisions about how we are going to take care of ourselves and each other. I want to continue to support and protect our most disenfranchised and vulnerable Mainers in that process.

1. Why are you running for office?
I have been an activist for over 25 years on issues of importance, including human rights, health care, poverty, non-violence and the environment. Running for and holding office will enable me to be an even more effective advocate.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Maine is broke. We can not further cut essential services, and getting investment is unlikely (Maine's infrastructure is too weak). Our best hope is raising revenue to meet our needs. See my answer to question #3.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Yes, but not a flat across-the-board increase. I favor a progressive tax structure, with low or no tax for low income and increasing rates for higher income, like we had before Reagan. This will result in revenue and fairness

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Jobs that leave employees still in poverty solve nothing. I favor support for a large number of small Maine-based businesses that are part of a community rather than "big boxes" that are concerned primarily with their own profits.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Replace the commonly-stated view that government should be run like a business with the model of running government like a family. Business is based on competition and competition creates losers; families try to make everyone winners, and help those in need.

1. Why are you running for office?
After serving in the legislature for the last two years I am more convinced than ever that we need to work on our education priorities in Augusta. With the current budget situation it is more critical than ever that we work to tie our children's education to the kinds of careers that can offer the good wages and opportunity here in Maine. I believe my experience in higher education and in economic development offer me a strong hands-on orientation that can lead this effort.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
While the immediate big issue will be the budget problem, the larger and longer term issue is to develop our economy so that we can have better employment opportunities for everyone. This can only be done by building up the quality of our workforce through education and creating more opportunities for businesses to see Maine as an incredibly good place to locate. We also need to provide the educational opportunities that will create more entrepreneurs who start and grow companies here.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I will support a temporary increase in the sales tax, much as was done under Governor McKernan, until such time as we can craft meaningful tax reform that is acceptable to the voters of Maine. At the same time we need to be looking at how we can consolidate or streamline state government. Taxes pay for the services we all need and want, but I believe everyone wants to make sure we get the most value for our tax dollars, and that taxes are assessed fairly.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to continually work on developing our reputation as a quality place to live and work. We need to work on making our workforce as skilled and educated as any in the country. We offer a quality of place that is second to none. We are seeing several companies, such as Jackson Labs, Bigelow Labs, and Idexx that are growing and succeeding here in Maine. Those kinds of companies can offer excellent jobs to those who have the education and skills the employer needs. We need to provide the education and skills development to make more opportunities for those companies, and other knowledge based firms consider Maine. We can use tax policy as well, but we have to be smarter about how we do so. We have to look at net new jobs as a criteria, and we have be sure we are providing incentives for jobs here in Maine. We should not provide incentives or benefits to companies we do not operate here in Maine and employ Maine workers.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Establish funding targeted to education for companies here in Maine with specific skills and education through the University system. The Community College system has been doing this successfully by partnering with the business community. The business community is able to grow and successfully employ community college grads because they have the skills needed to be productive in the industry. We need to create similar alliances between the University and the business community to be sure we use the University as a tool to help Maine companies grow and be competitive.

1. Why are you running for office?
There is a lack of legislators who are trained in financial and statistical analysis and in GAAP/GASB accounting requirements. I bring a trained eye to the table.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Economic development (which includes the jobs that come from it). I have attended several recent forums dealing with economic development. I see a lot of great minds, investors and leaders working on positive approaches to this issue. As someone who started a business during the recession of the 90's, I have 1st hand experience in this area.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
NO. As a systems analyst, I can see opportunities for providing the same or better levels of service at a lower cost. In my professional opinion, there are still many efficiencies yet to achieve.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Consolidate economic development services statewide; we have many ECD programs all heading in diverse directions with different agendas/incentives which have produced a less than effective result Public private partnerships to help businesses through the incubation process Bring together the creative types with philanthropists in a concerted effort to limit risk while optimizing the chance for a successful outcome One industry originally targeted by MTI was aquaculture. We need to reboot that effort along Maine's extensive coast. We should seek out premier investors and find out what kinds of industries they would want in Maine and find ways to minimize their risk. Stop over-regulating small business Better incentives to attract new "big" business that will stay in Maine after the incentives expire. Target education to meet the needs of businesses that are already here in Maine or that have expressed an interest in coming to Maine IF we had a workforce trained for such industries.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
In addition to the economic development noted above, which is my primary objective, I also hope for accomplishments in the following areas: Education: School choice legislation. I'm working with a national coalition and Maine stakeholders to coordinate an effort for school choice legislation in this upcoming session. National School Choice Week is January 23-29. Judiciary: State level Qui Tam legislation similar to Federal model. Judiciary: Expand freedom of access to information gathered and retained by government to more closely model Federal legislation. Taxation: address the growing tax-exempt basis in Maine communities. Statewide 10-15% of property is exempted from the taxable base. Taxation: as much as possible, state services should be funded by those who use the service. IE: cheap search and rescue insurance requirement for hikers, climbers, campers, etc Labor: address the definition of independent contractor as it relates to tech services being outsourced as a result of the current laws. DHS: require social workers to report suspected fraud/abuse S&LG: encourage competition between municipalities etc

1. Why are you running for office?
We need more people who are willing to make the best possible decisions for our state and less who are looking to make decisions to benefit only themselves.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest issue facing every state in the nation is the downward spiral of the economy, and thus, lack of jobs.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Obviously, no one wants to increase taxes. I would look at ways to make our state run more efficiently. I am concerned about the long term impact we are having on local tax payers by saying we are not raising taxes at the state level and pushing it on to the municipalities .

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
An educated work force is key. We need to make education accessible and affordable in order to compete. Whether that means more job training or a college degree, we need to give people the tools to compete or businesses will have little interest in coming here. I would support expanding the Pinetree Zone. We need to reward businesses that are currently paying a living wage and benefits and do the same to attract new businesses, which is what the Pinetree Zone aims to do currently. I would also look at making permitting less cumbersome for businesses.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would like to see people's lives improved through better job opportunities. As an Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier, I also have an interest in healthy lifestyles, thus leading to longer lives and decreased health care costs, benefiting everyone involved.

1. Why are you running for office?
To put the state's financial house in order. To help figure out what services are essential and which can be postponed or eliminated. Some legislators believe that we can conduct "business as usual" yet our system is broken.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The state is bankrupt. Remember those who purchased expensive homes without any possible way to pay for them? The state has done essentially the same thing for years. We can't continue making promises that we are unable to keep.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Probably not. There is plenty of money going into Augusta. However, more continually goes out than comes in. Somehow, there's money to bus thousands of students, during school hours, to see a hockey game. There's money for Hollywood filmmakers.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Jobs will come when Maine has a vibrant and strong economy again. That's won't happen by increasing the deficit. Rather, it will take place when Maine pays its bills on time and meets its other legal and financial obligations.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Health insurance is more expensive here than in other states. We need competition. Let's allow out-of-state companies to sell here.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am interested in public policy issues that impact people in their every day lives. I enjoy hearing their opinions and ideas and bringing their thoughts to bear on our decisions in Augusta.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The impact of the current economic condition in the US as it effects employment in Maine. Balancing our state budget with the least amount of harm and being sure we have a strong foundation as the economy turns around is a huge challenge.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
That would be at the end of my list of options given the current economy.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We should be supporting the businesses and industries that are currently established in Maine; growing and keeping our own Maine companies in business by giving them tools to expand and weather the current markets.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
-I have a strong interest in modernizing and enhancing our Juvenile Justice System to reduce reliance on detention/incarceration and develop a more robust system of community based prevention and intervention services.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running because I believe that I can help to make government more open, fair and efficient and that government can better advance the causes of freedom, justice, opportunity, prosperity and environmental sustainability.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The challenge of the State budget including recurring biennial shortfalls as well as unfunded future liabilities for such things as state pensions and health care costs.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Some taxes should fall and others rise. Income taxes, particularly on lower incomes, are too high. Increase the lodging tax from 7% to 8.5%; broaden the reach of Maine's 5% sales tax and put a levy of 1 cent on each gallon of groundwater withdrawn for bottling.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Maximize our strengths in the areas of small new technology start-ups, tourism and recreation and the creative economy. Maintain infrastructure and expand broadband. Preserve quality of place.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Vastly increasing efficiency in the generation, transmission and use of energy.

1. Why are you running for office?
I see the struggle for a better life in my Parkside neighborhood, and know people are hurting across Maine. I am running for office because there are problems facing our state and I want to be part of the solutions.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs and the Economy Maine's economic growth depends on sustaining and creating reliable jobs with good, affordable benefits for all workers.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I am open to all ideas and believe that we cannot continue to only cut our way out of this recession.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
I think looking at business incentives, expanding our transportation infrastructure and increasing the use of green energy would all bring jobs to Maine. We also need to strengthen our education system, to support a trained workforce for our state.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Our state's funding for various crisis response services cost us millions. If elected, I will look at the big picture and find ways to support long term prevention efforts in addition to short term, temporary solutions.

1. Why are you running for office?
We need less partisan politics and more solutions for the many problems facing the State of Maine. As a former Legislative Aide with fifteen years of public policy experience, I have what it takes to be an effective leader in the Legislature.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The Maine economy and jobs. We need to attract responsible businesses that pay their employees good wages and offer benefits.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Only if necessary to avoid further budget cuts to education and necessary services such as public safety and services for the mentally ill and physically disabled. If we have to consider raising taxes I would want to look at options that do not effect low and middle income Maine residents.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We could lower energy costs by investing in clean energy which would make Maine a more attractive place for businesses. Also, we could reduce or eliminate the business equipment tax and offer tax breaks for new businesses that pay good wages and benefits to their employees.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would like to straighten out the state's finances and stabilize revenue so we are not constantly having to deal with a budget shortfall every six months.

1. Why are you running for office?
I've spent the past two years fighting to ensure Maine people could afford to weatherize their home, reducing their heating costs. We have made major progress on that front, but there is much more work to do. I envision a green and clean economy where we create thousands of jobs through weatherization and renewable power generation while reducing energy costs for our homes and businesses.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Our incomes are far lower than the rest of New England at a time when the Middle Class is already struggling to pay their bills nationwide. We must invest in our workforce while building an economy that attracts good paying jobs to our state. We have a real opportunity to do that in the energy sector.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Yes, if it was part of a broad mix of solutions and sunsetted. I believe there are other revenue opportunities that might offset the impending cuts.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
The Opportunity Maine Program is a brilliant incentive for Maine people to earn their college degree while providing a serious tax break to businesses who hire Maine-educated residents. But we must be looking at economic development and workforce development together instead of the silos with which they traditionally are viewed. We must be educating people for the jobs we have and those we want to attract. The Northern Maine Community College has a wind turbine program that is doing just that. They are educating workers for a job market that is just emerging, and those students are being scooped up quickly for wind projects across the state. It is precisely the type of partnership the educational system and private sector need to be doing more. As I've said before, I strongly believe that the transformation of our energy paradigm provides a key chance to create thousands of jobs from weatherization technician to electrical engineers working on wind power projects. Equally important, however, is that we have a chance to reduce our energy costs which will preserve many of our factories while making Maine that much more cost effective to do business. It's really a win-win proposal - and thankfully most Mainers are excited about it as well.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to sustainably fund the Efficiency Maine Trust. Doing so would provide greater resources for homeowners and landlords to weatherize their homes while ensuring small businesses have opportunities to reduce their overall energy costs as well.

1. Why are you running for office?
To be a bold, energetic representative for Portland. If we envision a sustainable future for Maine, we cannot afford the stalemated politics of Augusta. I have a proven ability to push forward progressive policies, while developing allies in the process.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The need to rebuild and further develop education, health and social services that have suffered devastating effects from budget cuts over the last 20 years.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I would support a progressive income tax package that emphasized heavier taxation on individuals and entities most capable of paying back into the taxation pool to compensate to some degree for those least capable.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Invest in Maine's creative economy. We have a vibrant community skilled in arts and cultural fields, but a limited market for those talents. I have a plan to create incentives to put folks to work, while generating tourism attractions.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To promote development of a commuter-rail network in Maine, to provide Maine workers an alternative, sustainable way to get to work, and aid tourism to Maine's urban hubs. Funds are already allocated, but the vision needs to be crystallized.

1. Why are you running for office?
I believe government should work smarter to provide people, businesses and communities the opportunity to succeed. I want to help make our government accountable, responsible, and capable of providing effective oversight without excess bureaucracy.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest single issue facing the state is the lack of quality jobs. Other important issues include the tax burden on families and businesses, education reform, the high cost of energy, and protecting our natural resources.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I do not want to raise taxes. I do support reforming the way we collect taxes by lowering the income tax rates and broadening the sales tax base for economic stability and prosperity.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Invest in infrastructure that the business community needs: roads, high-speed Internet, air and rail transportation. Ensure more of our citizens are equipped with the education and training needed to work in 21st century jobs, Reduce the tax burden and streamline the regulatory process, and Reduce the cost of power

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to bring a green data mill to Maine. I imagine an old paper factory transformed into a high-tech company for cloud computing. This data mill will run on renewable energy, utilize our new fiber optic broadband network, employ our workers and inject economic vitality to our state.

1. Why are you running for office?
We need common sense back with our good intentions. Cape Elizabeth is being punished as a result of State Gov't inefficiency. That costs Cape E school funding regardless of the income taxes we send Augusta. We deserve better stewardship.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The lack of job creation, which means lower tax receipts. The job shortage didn't start in 2010 — it began in 2003. State Government policy makes us far less attractive to businesses than other states. Electric & healthcare costs are other big liabilities.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. I support reducing the cost of delivering State services. I support getting into the weeds of business regulations and streamlining the process for business operations. The last two tax hikes/expansions failed for a valid argument: Use the money efficiently.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Reduce electricity costs. May mean dropping from NE Energy Cooperative. Reduce healthcare premiums. May mean allowing insurance purchases across state lines. Improving those two will increase tax receipts and jobs — then we can lower taxes.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Change the school-funding formula, which is unlikely. Number One-A is reduce the cost of DHHS, which is 40% of the state budget. According to healthcare professionals, money that could go back to Cape Elizabeth is getting wasted for no purpose

1. Why are you running for office?
My opponent was unapposed and the people in my district deserve a choice. Additionally Government spending has been too long out of control.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Maine is a welfare state! out of staters come to Maine for benefits that are easy to obtain.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No, not until spending is under control or the ecomomy turns around. Maine is overtaxed already!

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Increase bio-tech oportunities and secondly make Maine more pro industry.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Return common sense in Government decisions

1. Why are you running for office?
My long-time connection to and affection for my community and the people in District 123 are the driving force behind my service as a legislator. I want to continue the critical work we've begun related to the economy, environment, business, health care, and education.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Our struggling economy.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
There are too many unknowns looming in the state budget to make any kind of determination now.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Educate better ALL of our citizens, reduce regulatory hurdles, and protect our environment.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Eliminate loopholes and inefficiencies in state programs and departments.

1. Why are you running for office?
I believe that our state needs change and sound leadership. The people of our communities need elected officials who Represent their interest not The Parties.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Budget Wasteful spending

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. Their would be no need to increase taxes if we just cut programs that fail to work or fail to reach desired bench marks. Stop the feel good program that target a small number of Mainers that are expensive to maintain.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Create a business friends environment. Make Business want to come to Maine

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Rome wasn't built in one day and changes will not happen over night. The one thing I would want to do is to regain the community's trust in me as their representative. The other things like State spending. Energy efficiency, and creating a business friendly environment will fall into place with common sense solutions.

1. Why are you running for office?
We need people in Augusta who have a pragmatic and balanced approach to public policy and are willing to work with both parties to get results.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Attracting high paying jobs to build Maine's future economy.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No, Maine people are already heavily taxed.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
I believe it begins with providing a skilled and educated workforce to fill these jobs. We must focus our energy on higher education to prepare people for the jobs of tomorrow.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Our motor vehicle inspection system is in need of major reform.

1. Why are you running for office?
To continue to represent all of my constituents with common sense and compassion.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Education for the jobs that we will create over the next few years. We also face a serious problem with our Transportation infrastructure.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Only as a last resort. I am hopeful that the economy will improve enough to make it avoidable. If we have to raise taxes, they should be targeted with an eye to those that would be exportable. Meals and Lodging, for example.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
A work force that is educated for jobs like CAD/CAM and other high tech endevours. We need to encourage our kids to stay here as entrepreneurs. Maine has always been handy and creative and we need to build on that.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
A sustainable way to maintain our transportation infrastructure.

1. Why are you running for office?
It's time to get serious about state spending, taxes and red tape that are strangling our economy. The current incumbents have done little to nothing to improve our business climate and to bring about the tax reform that is so desperately needed by so many of our residents. My experience running the City of Westbrook over the past 6 years will be used to help our collective new legislature change the way business is done in our great state.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Spending is out of control and we must look at ways to reduce non critical services and streamline others in an effort to reduce expenses. Everyone has a sense of what is important and by working together we can focus on what those truly essential services are and look to reduce or eliminate others. We need to run our state like a business and prioritize our house.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Absolutely not. With a budget such as what the state has to work with we can find the fat and trim it.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We must implement policies and procedures that make it easier and more attractive for businesses to either stay here or move here. We need to look at our regulatory policies and perhaps streamline them or eliminate those that get in the way of business and economic development.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to be able to say that I either initiated legislation or supported legislation that improved the quality of life for the majority of our residents and brought about increased economic opportunity.

1. Why are you running for office?
Serving in the Legislature is an extension of my lifelong work as a registered nurse. To ensure that those truly in need do not fall through the cracks and are provided the opportunity to get back on their feet, to provide the means for a strong educational foundation for our children, and to be a voice for our seniors who have given much for the betterment of our own lives.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
To develop and adopt a plan that addresses our impending future budget shortfall and at the same time preserving investment in workforce development, our cities and towns, growing our economy, infrastructure needs and protecting our quality of place.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
In the 124th Legislature, we worked in a bipartisan fashion to find efficiencies and coordinate services to reduce the current biennial budget by approx $840 million without raising taxes. We need to continue in that vein and to work in a collaborative effort, to find smarter and more efficient ways to deliver services at reduced cost to Maine citizens.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Energy cost reduction, regulatory predictability, further research and development of green and bio- technologies, wind and ocean energy development, responsible use of renewable resources. Job specific directed investment in our community colleges and university system, creation of a school of dentistry and continued encouragement of entrepreneurial growth.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Preservation of existing jobs and creation of new jobs through continued work on the Labor Committee. Once known for its partisanship and divisiveness, the committee is now becoming valued for its understanding, its thoughtful deliberation and fairness for working families and the business community as well.

1. Why are you running for office?
I've dedicated myself to my job in Augusta by working side-by-side with residents and businesses from across the State. Working in a nonpartisan way has helped me to pass 5 unanimous bills this session. It is been an honor to serve and I want to keep fighting for Scarborough.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The cliché answer is jobs, but it's more than jobs — it's economic development. We need to focus on policies that create economic opportunities. From empowering our graduates, to working to grow investment in the new Green economy — while there is no silver bullet, there is a lot we can do to promote economic development and allow the private sector to thrive again.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
In my first term, the Legislature approved, with bipartisan support, two balanced budgets — neither raised taxes. I am confident that we will balance the budget again by streamlining the cost of our government and reducing wasteful spending — while still ensuring we can provide for important services like education, roads and bridges, and property tax rebates.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Education, Energy, and Small Business are the three issues areas which I have and will continue to focus on. We need to prepare our graduates for careers. We need to encourage new jobs through energy efficiency and renewable energy. Finally, we need to ensure that small businesses are able to grow and create new opportunities.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Two years ago, I wanted make a big impact on energy policy in Maine. During the last two years, we rewarded tax incentives and rebates to thousands of Maine homeowners and hundreds of Maine businesses, encouraged growth in our new Green economy, and helped entrepreneurs start exciting new businesses. I think we've accomplished a lot, but there is more work ahead that I can contribute to positively.

1. Why are you running for office?
Scarborough is a family-centered community. I believe our representation in Augusta should reflect that. As a mother of four, I share families' concerns for education, the future of our children and their ability to live and work prosperously in Maine for generations to come.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The single biggest issue facing our state is the ability for future generations to prosper. With looming billion dollar shortfalls, we need to strategize where we invest our money. Every expenditure must be weighed carefully to determine whether or not it is a wise investment which will encourage economic development and prosperity.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. Nearly every reputable economist will tell you that raising taxes discourages business growth. Business growth is the key to prosperity and our ability to adequately fund education, infrastructure and programs to help our most vulnerable citizens.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Maine's taxes, electricity costs, regulations, healthcare and insurance costs must be brought closer to national norms. We do not need to be the best, we just need to be average. Maine's lifestyle and natural resources sell themselves. People want to live in Maine and businesses want to operate where quality employees are happy to live.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would like to see Maine overhaul its health insurance system the way Gov. McKernan overhauled workman's compensation. Our excessive mandates, high Mainecare enrollment and lack of market competition have increased costs to the point where some businesses are no longer able to offer good health coverage to their employees and those who do often find employees cannot afford their premiums.

1. Why are you running for office?
Over the past three years on the School Board I have seen our state continue in a direction that concerns me. The population is declining and aging, businesses are leaving, and job growth is slowing. In addition to that, because of a drop in state revenue, we have seen our education funding model leave communities like Scarborough with $1 million budget gaps to fill in a single year. Scarborough had to raise taxes, layoff teachers, and reduce services because of this drop in state revenue and funding model. Maine needs to address these issues, and so I'm running to ensure they get brought to the forefront of the discussion and work towards solutions.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Lack of growth. The state needs to take every step possible and necessary to drive economic development and job growth. And this needs to be priority number one. Because once job growth picks up, it will help solve other issues — it will help keep people in Maine, particularly young people and it will help state revenues without raising a single tax.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Maine's budget issues are serious ones. Maine's revenue stream is over-reliant on car sales and construction supply sales. We have large unfunded liabilities like the state retirement program and we have a depleted rainy-day fund, both of which are hurting our bond rating, causing us to pay a higher interest rate on our debts. All options need to be on the table, however a tax increase, particularly in a struggling economy has the potential to hamper economic growth, which I just said was Maine's biggest issue. A budget plan needs to be part of an overall economic development plan, as the two go hand-in-hand.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
It needs to be a combination of things. We need to focus on the industries Maine does well and then support them through investments in higher education so that when prospective businesses look at Maine, we are the clear choice because a large number of our people are educated in that field, ready to work. We need to then go after particular businesses we want in Maine and ask, what can we do to help you expand in Maine and then be prepared to do it. And finally, we need to support all the businesses that we already have so that they have the ability to grow and create new jobs in Maine; improving our tax structure and our reputation so the rest of the country thinks "Opportunity Land" not just "Vacation Land" when they hear our name.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to see Maine be more aggressive towards job creation. We need to consider some immediate steps to drive job creation and I would suggest that we ease the pressures on small business by cutting red tape and regulation. It takes longer to start a business here than it does in other states, we need to change that. We need qualified people working at state regulatory agencies, who are held to the same qualification standards as their private sector counter-parts. We also need to consider proven tax incentives that increase job growth and broaden the tax base that don't drive us further into debt. Finally, I would suggest that we look for good clean businesses that we want here in Maine and be more proactive about going after them. Lets tell them about the changes we're making and use smart economic development tools to get them here and support them.

1. Why are you running for office?
As a candidate for the House of Representatives, I seek to represent the "common man" with common sense solutions. We can't spend our way out of debt. I am disappointed in Maine's leadership, which has brought us a billion-dollar shortfall, an additional 11.5 billion in public debt, and Maine hospitals are struggling because we are unable to pay them $400 million dollars. Maine has tough economic challenges. We need to fulfill promises and we need to problem solve. I listen. I seek out solutions. I do not have a degree in political science, but I do understand balanced budgets. Who am I? I am a common everyday citizen. Having grown up in poverty, I understand the poor. After high school, I worked long hours to get to college. I understand that it takes hard work and determination to succeed. As a wife and mother of three, with two in college, I know how tough it is to make ends meet. My career in the dental field gives me first hand contact with people who need to make hard decisions about their healthcare and insurance needs. I have held elected office on several boards, and I volunteer in local and school activities. Together, we can and need to put Maine on the path to affordable, sustainable government.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The single biggest issue we face is our poor economic climate, which is a result of poor leadership.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We could improve the business climate by working toward lowering utility costs, removing burdensome regulations and lowering taxes. Last year, Maine was only one of three states with a declining population. 1.) Michigan. 2.) Rhode Island 3.) Maine. We have invested in our young people, but they are leaving the state due to lack of opportunity. Maine is now the "grayest" state in the nation. We need a stronger middle class with stronger private sector growth.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I believe in leading by example, thus I propose a cut in the size of the legislature. Did you know that Maine (1.3 million people) has more legislators than Texas (24.7 million)? I endorse reducing the size of the legislature by one third from 151 to 99 representatives.

1. Why are you running for office?
I first ran because the state decreased the homestead exemption and did not fully fund the commitment to education. This situation still exists. Citizens need tax relief. Maine needs to provide quality education to learners of all ages. The Legislature should set priorities then adjust spending to stay within the revenues(including paying off debt) Maine has many natural resources that need to be managed so future generations can enjoy them.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The economy. There needs to be nongovernmental jobs for the hard working Mainers. Education/training needs to be affordable and accessible to help workers prepare for the jobs

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I am willing to work hard on the budget so there is no need for a tax increase.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to emphasize/promote what we have.Clean environment with natural beauty- Example is ecotourism--we do not promote this as much as other parts of the world. Another source of jobs would be on line work--with high speed available in all of Maine. Manufacture of goods using our composite technology.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Tax relief for the Maine resident.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because I want to make a difference in Augusta. With my business experience and common sense I believe I'm the best candidate.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest challenge in Augusta today is reviving Maine's economy knowing that a robust economy will generate more revenue than tax increases.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I would avoid all tax increases for the state and pursue new revenue sources instead.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We must educate and re-educate our children and adult workforce for today's jobs. I will work to provide low cost energy, and to reduce red tape and incentivize businesses to grow.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
The one thing I'd like to accomplish is to go department by department and implement procedures to streamline state government. Like any other business, our state must be run efficiently in order provide necessary ser

1. Why are you running for office?
Having served on the Health and Human Services Committee during my two years in the House, I have learned much about how DHHS and the legislature work. My experience as a family doctor is extremely useful as it enables me to speak knowledgably to the issues and make responsible well-reasoned decisions. I would like to build upon what I have learned and begun in my first term of service.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Currently jobs and the economy are the biggest issues facing the state and many Maine families, as well. Too many people are unemployed, underemployed, or unhappily employed.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Increasing taxes in this economic climate is not advisable. Since we cannot predict the future, we need to keep all options open to deal with new challenges. Balancing the budget last term without increasing taxes was laudable but I do worry about passing the costs of education on to local taxpayers or the loss of vital safety net programs.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We could reevaluate and simplify the regulatory environment for small businesses, make health care more affordable for small business, reduce energy costs and educate a workforce that will attract businesses with high tech jobs and clean energy jobs.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Help grow jobs that would pay a livable wage, allow our children to stay and work in state, and allow our elders to retire without worrying about outliving their savings.

1. Why are you running for office?
I tried out for American Idol and was called a no talent bum. I figured Augusta was the place for me. In all seriousness, the State has real probables and we need to go in a new direction I'm as good as anyone to go in that direction.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Spending and deficits

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No I believe we can find significant savings in the revenues already generated. Also, a significant tax increase would only encourage deferred investment. This wouldn't help to fix our current economic trouble.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We don't have to reinvent the wheel here. We need to lower the tax burden in this state and reduce the bureaucracy. That way you don't need "two days and two lawyers to figure out what it all means," as our friend John conyers pointed out.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would work to make government more open and friendlier to business and people. Streamlining government would make it easier and cheaper for the State and the individual.

1. Why are you running for office?
I want to allow Maine's children an opportunity to stay and succeed here. By creating jobs and making it affordable to live in Maine, I hope to make that possible. I've committed my life to helping children and I'm committed to working hard to solve Maine's problems.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs and the Economy. Maine has to do a better job, both creating and attracting good paying private sector jobs. The combination of red-tape and Maine's tax structure has stifled the state's true job growth potential, which is something that need to be remedied.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Only time will tell what the budget will look like for the next legislature. I like to analyze every option, but at this time I don't feel that broad-based tax increases would be the best approach to improving the present economic climate.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
As business owners know, many times you need multiple licenses to operate. I know some convenience stores that need more than 10. As this one small example shows, Maine needs to do a better job streamlining the process for setting up shop in Maine and creating a more inviting business climate.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to bring common sense and good judgment to Augusta. My goals are to improve the business climate, insure quality education for our children, and make it more manageable for citizens to live, work and thrive in Maine.

1. Why are you running for office?
I have two children, and I want them to live and work in Maine. Too much regulation, too much spending, and poor management of human services and education have led to frustration among the voting public. We need lower energy costs and a return to a business focus.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Job creation — This state needs to focus on existing business growth, rather than our weak efforts to attract new business from out-of-state. I was the primary sponsor of the Business Equipment Tax Rebate, a program which had remarkable success. New initiatives are needed at this critical time.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Absolutely not. A recession is not the time to raise taxes. People in Maine are tightening their belts. Some have lost their jobs and their homes. How can Maine continue to pass along tax increases in this environment? This year, the state passed on tax pressure to the property tax by not funding revenue sharing and education at previous levels, passing the buck to town governments.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
The number one way to attract jobs is to reduce energy costs. There has not been a serious effort in this state to address the energy problem. We also need to reduce taxes and restructure the tax-incentive system.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
If elected, I will advocate for a smaller legislature, with 99 representatives and 33 senators. This is difficult to achieve but worth doing. The savings are significant, and there is no noticeable loss in representation.

1. Why are you running for office?
I believe the measure of a good representative is how much he or she can do for their community. Having legislatively secured the water off our own beachfront, I have demonstrated that measure. This two-year effort gave O.O.B. jurisdictional right forever.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs! Maine is positioned very well to move forward in this area once the economy starts to respond favorably. The budget was reduced by 1 billion dollars (6.5 to 5.5). This effort has helped position Maine well.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Absolutely No. It has been said many times, and I agree, that we cannot tax our way out of this economic downturn.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We have to become more business friendly. We will see more jobs coming soon for roads with recent bond package passed. The whole idea of more jobs is tied closely with the overall economy. Also banks should slowly loosen up so small business can invest. This, as well as the state being more business friendly.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would try to bring more sales tax money back to Old Orchard. We contribute millions each year only to see our state subsidize reduced. This is wrong and I will work to correct it.

1. Why are you running for office?
I have made important and productive connections in advancing local projects including the mitigation of erosion at Camp Ellis, and I am committed to seeing the project through to completion. I "know the ropes" in Augusta, and can use my experience to develop and pass needed bills to address complex issues facing Maine. Local citizens will attest that I have solved problems and been responsive to their needs. That's what I like to do, and that's why I am running for office.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Business development and jobs

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
It's too early to say. If there must be cuts, we must evaluate the true impact of every cut and continuously examine revenues to determine our fiscal position.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Maine workers must be trained for state-of-the-art jobs. I have connected major employers to machine trades program in community colleges to upgrade the skills of their existing work force and create work opportunities for students coming into the trade. Building on that model, we can strengthen our work force in manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, and other sectors to attract more business. Working with the Maine Marine Trade Association I have facilitated the creation of jobs in the boatbuilding industry.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To assure a quality education for our young people, providing them with the tools necessary to compete in the 21st century, and to paving the way to good paying jobs to enable them to live and thrive in Maine.

1. Why are you running for office?
When people talk about young people leaving the state to find jobs, those are not just statistics to me - those are my friends. When they talk about businesses that fail and homes that are being foreclosed on, those are not just statistics to me - those people are my friends. I see it every day and I can't sit by and let this happen. Someone has to do something about it and given my background and experience I believe I can help.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs. If you can't feed your family everything else, no matter how important it may otherwise seem, comes second. Anyone that tells you any differently hasn't been in some of the nieghborhoods I walk through or talked to the people I talk to everyday that are hurting. People now ask me for help in finding jobs, as an individual I do my best now, but so far I have only been able to help a few so far. As a legislator, I will be equipped to help many more.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. Families can barely afford the costs of living here as is.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Allow business to do business, not just paperwork. Simplfy our regulatory system so if an entrepeneur has an idea on Monday and the cash on Tuesday, he or she can start making money that weekend. Lower the income tax, energy and health care costs to entice employers to move to Maine and allow current businesses to employ more people.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
My mother worked 2, and at some times 3, jobs just to get us off welfare. I understand single parents can not return to work without affordable childcare. There can be no welfare reform without providing affordable childcare for underpriviledged families along with necessary education and training to become qualified to get jobs that earn enough to live off of without government assistance. I want to help everyone get back to work, but especially the single parents who don't want to be dependent on government aid any longer. People like my mother was, who is and always will be, my hero.

1. Why are you running for office?
To give the people and there children a better life. Every individual needs the opportunity to excel and I want to give them that chance by carrying the peoples voices to the state to be heard.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Taxes--they are to high and change needs to occur soon.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
NO, we need to stop unnecessary state spending.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Build casino's and greenhouses around the state to lift the economy back up.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To bring more jobs to our great state so that the economy gets the boost it needs to lower our taxes.

1. Why are you running for office?
I feel the same frustration that many citizens feel with government. I want good jobs, quality education, and affordable health care, but I also want less business regulation, lower taxes, and smaller government. For the last six years I have worked to find this balance, such as proposing a one-body, unicameral legislature which would have saved $15 million per budget. I have been, and will continue to be, a vocal advocate for fiscal moderation.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Maine needs to shed its anti-business, high tax image. Until we can pass various legislation that helps make Maine a destination place for business, we will not attract the companies and entrepreneurs needed to provide quality jobs that will grow the Maine economy.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I would oppose any increase in the income tax, and I have always opposed increasing the sales tax percentage when it was discussed in past budget negotiations.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Businesses are looking for a skilled workforce, access to capital, and low taxes. Therefore, we need to invest more in our Community Colleges, re-write existing incentives to attract out-of-state venture capital, and reform our tax code.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Tax reform. Just because the voters turned down the previous proposal we should not give up on it. We should continue to work on tax reform until we develop a new, bipartisan package that reflects the economics of Maine in the 21st century.

1. Why are you running for office?
I chose to run for office because I believe we all have the ability to advocate for change. I'm dedicated to ensuring Biddeford and Maine are thriving places that people are excited to work, live and play in.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest single issue facing Maine is attracting businesses and creating jobs in Maine.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
At this time we have no idea of what the exact budget situation will be. Until there is concrete information on things including the actual budget shortfall, state revenues and program funding needs I will keep all options under consideration and I look forward to working with all the other members of the legislature to find a reasonable solution.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to create more jobs in Maine, especially jobs in growing industries that provide living wages to their employees. To do this Maine has to be a more attractive state to do business in. I believe reducing energy costs, through investment in alternative energy generation, is the one step in making this important change.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
If elected I want to work to help people in Maine live healthier lives by ensuring people have access to healthy locally grown foods in their neighborhoods and in schools. I also want to work to ensure communities provide opportunities for being active through both indoors and out.

1. Why are you running for office?
To try and make a difference so that the saying "Maine, the way life should be" can once again mean something. To also try to help people have a more financially secure life by bring jobs back to Maine. We need our young people to stay and work here after they graduate from school.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs. We need more businesses in this state so that our people can work. Manufacturing, at one time, was a good source for jobs. However, over taxing and red tape drove these businesses out of our state.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. There are other ways of obtaining the money to balance the budget without raising taxes. Less government, less bureauocrats.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Make this a state where businesses could make a profit without unnecessary red tape. Lowering taxes for businesses, offering tax incentives for new businesses. Too many companies originally based in Maine for many years have left.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Work on cutting taxes which are a burden on many families in Biddeford who live from paycheck to paycheck. This would allow for the average citizen to save their money rather than give it to Augusta, where the money is spent on what Augusta wants, not the people who voted.

1. Why are you running for office?
Because I enjoy working on behalf of the people of my district, and I believe that I competently and actively advocate on their behalf. I desire to continue to work on education issues as well as issues that improve government efficiency.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The looming billion dollar shortfall. The budget needs to be fairly and conscientiously trimmed, yet we must be aware of the needs of our state and people. It is a huge balancing act.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. I don't see the workers of this state being able to absorb more taxes.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Specialized education coupled with the development of skilled workers is one step. Another is to develop policies that are friendly to business. Without nurturing business, there will be no jobs.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Continue to advocate for creative, pragmatic education reform. Throwing money at the issue is not the answer, as it involves a change in mindset, as well as a change in cultural thinking. I have been a teacher for 30+ years, and while there are successes, I feel that the system for many students, is broken.

1. Why are you running for office?
For the last 6 years serving as a Selectman for the Town of Alfred, I have observed and experienced the many shortcomings of our State Government. From the unfunded mandates levied on municipalities to the over-taxing of individuals, families and small businesses. I've seen the repeated failure of our elected State Officials on listening to the voice of their constituents especially when it comes to funding our struggling education programs and rapidly failing state infrastructure. Costs they are trying to push down onto the municipalities because of the States overspending in other areas. We have witnessed the rapid and unnecessary growth of our State Government and the overreaching of their authority as well as job killing regulations that are coming out of Augusta. Local/Hometown rule should not be dismissed or disregarded! It's time for real Mainers to take back their state government and leave the politics behind! Our state elections need to stop being popularity contests and we must elect the right people who are going to get the job done, bottom line!

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Maine is facing a projected shortfall of around $1 billion in our next budget. It's not going to be an easy road; there are tough decisions to be made. But as a state we cannot keep saying "Yes" to everything and continue spending the way we have been in the past.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
There is no easy answer to this question. First we need to take a good hard look at the size and structure of our state government and its departments. We need to seriously look at how many mid to upper level managers are in each of these departments and the size of their accompanying staffs. I feel there is much room for restructuring which could lead to millions in tax dollar savings while also creating and saving jobs. With those types of savings we can put the money back into our struggling education programs and fix our failing roads, bridges and deteriorating infrastructure. We need to avoid cutting out those ground level, grass root workers who are actually delivering the direct services to our citizens but, there is vast opportunity when you are looking at the three to four levels of management above them. We need to identify and eliminate any double work being performed at the different levels of government. Remember, our Maine State Government is the largest employer in the entire state.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to create better opportunities and reasonable incentives that welcome new small business to Maine while also protecting our precious resources. We must also increase incentives for those businesses already here. We must encourage both to create new, good paying jobs for Mainers which will hopefully reduce the number of Mainers currently unemployed and strengthen our tax base. Possibly we could even offer tax incentives for those businesses that reach a certain percentage of new hires that are taken from our state's unemployment compensation rolls. Let's put Mainers back to work!

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would like to introduce legislation that will adopt residency requirements for non residents of Maine coming into our state only to receive Maine State Welfare. We need to eliminate the pretense of just by crossing into our state for the day only to receive state and local aid is over. This aid should be for our Maine families and those individuals who have fallen on hard times or truly need help. Of course there needs to be some exceptions but based only on a case-by-case basis.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running to make a difference. I have spent a lifetime doing just that ~ whether empowering children as their music teacher, volunteering in my community, or working on local and global issues about which I feel passionate.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The overwhelming consensus is that creating/attracting/maintaining good jobs and improving Maine's economy is our biggest concern. If elected, I will work to restructure our tax base to encourage job creation and provide tax relief to municipalities. However, that being said, all issues such as education, our environment, and health care are interconnected.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Hopefully we would create a fiscally responsible budget that would not necessitate such extreme measures.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Establish appropriate measures to make Maine more friendly to business and encourage small businesses to expand. Train or retrain new and unemployed workers to fill existing jobs. Work with our schools, community colleges and the university system to continue to prepare our students for jobs in the 21st century. Encourage banks to release more funding for green energy projects, including research and development.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Increase the number of good jobs available in Maine and therefore reduce unemployment rates.

1. Why are you running for office?
The state has spent its way into debt. People and businesses are over taxed and over regulated. We must improve the business climate in Maine. I will go to Augusta and fight against any tax increases and wasteful spending.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Overspending of taxpayer money. The less the government regulates, then the less money will be needed. This money will stay in the pockets of those who earned it rather than the hands of Maine legislators.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. Maine people and businesses are taxed enough as it is. Increasing taxes will not solve the problem. Spending cuts must happen in order to achieve a balanced budget.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Get the government out of the way. They place too many regulations and taxes on private businesses. Allow more businesses to open and Let the consumer decide what businesses would prosper. Follow free market principles.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Improve the overall business climate in the state of Maine. Small businesses are the back bone of this state and country.

1. Why are you running for office?
To serve the public. To help connect citizens with State and Federal agencies. To contribute to an atmosphere of civility in public discourse. To demonstrate to citizens that government has a face and that government exists to serve and protect.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The budget. I have no expectation that additional Federal recovery funds will be available. The priority must be for the State to provide adequate financial assistance for public education and municipal operations.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Impress upon the Federal government that employer withholding taxes impact on job creation. The $106,000 ceiling on Social Security withholding should be lifted so that the withholding rate for those making less than that amount may be reduced. Currently the expanded State Pine Tree Zones provide incentives for the creation of "high value" technology and manufacturing jobs. This should be expanded to cover ALL jobs. During a Great Recession, every job is a high value job.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To have the formula which determines the amount of State assistance to school districts adjusted for the decline in home values due to foreclosures and distressed sales.

1. Why are you running for office?
Having just completed my second term, I am proud to say that my reasons for running are unchanged. Fundamentally, I want to create a better future for my children (and consequently everyone's) so that they can live and work in Maine.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Economy. Maine has a rich history of hard work and innovation, our mills produce more today than ever, but with fewer workers. Maine must continue to look at non-traditional industries and recognize the economic value of the non-profit sector jobs.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. My committee (Appropriations) passed two unanimous state budgets without raising taxes. Maine's working families cannot easily take on new tax burdens and for this reason, I have not and do not support broad-based tax increases to balance the budget.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We have to recognize that no one has the simple answer. Energy costs, transportation, red tape, taxes, workforce, and access to capital all play a role in where companies locate. We must address each complexity to compete.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I have introduced several bills that were the cares of my constituents and have proudly passed many of them. I will continue to listen to my constituents and be a clear voice for ALL of the people of District 140.

1. Why are you running for office?
I believe we need new people in the State House. Now like two years ago, I was so outraged when the democrats paraded the elderly and handicapped people in front of DHHS committee, and told them if DHHS did not get more money, they would lose their benefits. I don't care if the democrats, republicans, or the green, orange, or purple party are in charge, those people are not going to lose their benefits. There are plenty place to cut without scaring older people or the handicapped.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Wasteful spending — We send enough money to Augusta, we just need to prioritize how we spend it.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
NO!

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Cut the red tape- let business do business. The over-regulation of business in this state is why companies don't move here. Along with our very high power rates, why would any business come.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Stop the State from balancing the budget on the backs of the property taxpayer. If the State is not going to fund education, than give us our income tax back. The income tax was put in to help keep property taxes low. How's that working?

1. Why are you running for office?
When I was Vice-President at U.N.E., I led the fundraising and lobbying efforts which produced over a decade of remarkable growth and hundreds of steady jobs in Southern Maine. As a first term Legislator, I was the Lead Sponsor of six bills which are now laws in Maine, including important steps forward in fighting Lyme Disease and in creating a funding structure for the new FEMA mandated floodplain maps. I am actively engaged in several local efforts which directly affect businesses and residents in both our downtown and Lower Village areas. On all of these important issues, my opponent remained passive on the sidelines and has offered little input, knowledge or participation. I pledge to continue leading on the complicated playing fields which impact Kennebunk and Maine.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest single challenge is job growth: creating and attracting new industries and entrepreneurial enterprises while also expanding opportunities for small businesses and successful traditional trades and industries.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I support a major decrease in the state income tax and raising and expanding the sales tax on a smaller scale than the one proposed this past June.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
A. Tax incentives for existing large, medium and small businesses.
B. More start-up funding for entrepreneurs, especially in Research and Development.
C. Lower the state income tax.
D. Aggressively protect and insure our quality of life and a healthy environment.
E. Provide incentives for alternative energy sources; i.e., green jobs.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Build out a large Research and Development and Educational Industry which would create a more highly-skilled and educated workforce while we also secure permanent additional funding for Land For Maine's Future and our State Parks system.

1. Why are you running for office?
My goal is to represent the best interests of Sanford and Maine people in a way that promotes transparency and accountability, and personal, environmental, cultural, and economic health. My focus is on prevention and wellness in all matters.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Health care costs. They undermine families, business, and government. We need to think of health care as more than drugs and surgery, and have insurance cover healthy alternative therapies that show measurable results for individual patients. We need to avoid environmental threats such as toxic chemicals in products, pollution, foods that stress our bodies, and wireless radiation effects.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Not without seriously addressing healthcare costs first. The best budget balancer would be to reduce medical expenditures by incentivizing healthy alternatives by patients and doctors, and rewarding success, including that of insurance companies that partner with us. Medical costs should not be incurred just because someone else is paying the bill. Education is more costly when children and teachers are not well nourished and healthy. As for taxes, tax reform has been a major focus of our legislature, in an effort to lower income taxes by about 25%, reduce the overall burden to Maine citizens, and spread sales taxes across a wider array of products, mostly on non-essential or infrequent purchases. I'll continue to support efforts like these because it is fairer to products already taxed, and gives people more choices of where their taxes are paid.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
First, we need to emphasize what a fabulous state Maine is, crow about it, build up the arts, schools and cultural quality of communities, and encourage volunteerism that builds on all of that. I am a big proponent of bonds to support infrastructure work, because Maine has a top credit rating, interest rates are down, the job needs to be done, and people need the work. We need to build our green businesses and tourism; Maine is known as green. We need to support entrepreneurship and small businesses that are here, and encourage even very small ones. The State needs to partner with new ventures and innovation, in exchange for a share of the profits that result. Our community colleges are centers of learning for all ages needing skills that industry is seeking; we need to keep supporting their growth and partnership with business.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to help people understand the massive health risks associated with cell phone use by children or by anyone without safety measures, and related wireless issues, because this is a vast and essentially unregulated industry.

1. Why are you running for office?
I genuinely would like to do my part to strengthen Maine. Which means supporting economic development, education and infrastructure investments. We need to make wise investments in our state so others want to live, work and play here.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Education is crucial to Maine's survival. A well educated workforce is the cornerstone to a strong economy. It will attract businesses to Maine and help defray the tax burden many of our citizens are currently struggling under.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I cannot say I am for or against a tax increase. I believe we need to be more fiscally responsible and eliminate excessive spending. However, we must continue to invest in our state so it continues to grow and flourish.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to strengthen our schools, while providing incentives that make Maine desirable for businesses to relocate to. Promoting Maine as a tourist destination will also bring more jobs to the lakes, beaches and resorts.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would work tirelessly to keep Sanford and Southern Maine's concerns and needs forefront in Augusta.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running for office to raise expectations. Maine should be offering a better quality of life to the next generation, and its citizens should not be looking to government to replace the benefits of hard work.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Maine must focus on attracting and retaining businesses that provide long-term job opportunities for our residents. Business growth is the only way that Maine will be able to lower taxes, improve education, reform welfare, and sustain our quality of life.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. The current economic climate has forced families and businesses to do more with less. Government should be expected to do the same. We must work hard to cut wasteful spending and improve efficiency, without harming schools and human services.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We can use existing State programs more effectively to support private sector investment, lowering the overall cost of doing business in Maine and focusing on comprehensive technical programs in our schools that will better meet the needs of today's employers.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I will work on legislation that reduces the income tax over time by targeting our current inefficiency and waste. We need to reduce the tax burden to once again make Maine affordable for the middle class and attractive to businesses.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am compelled to step forward to offer my expertise in what I sense will be the most challenging years in our lifetimes.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The impending collapse of the United States monetary system.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Are you kidding?

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We can't. Not now. The best we can hope for is to keep everyone fed and sheltered.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To hope for the best, but plan for the worst by establishing committees of safety throughout the state to insure public welfare no matter what comes our way.

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running because I truly enjoy helping my constituents. It is very rewarding to help them navigate the state departments. I have been very successful at finding funds that have been in the state coffers and returning them to the citizens. It has been my pleasure to work as an advocate for Veterans and education and would like to continue to do so another term.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Enticing new employers…hence jobs In order to create jobs we must have a friendlier approach by streamlining bureaucracy, creation of a better climate for investing, and educating our youth for future employment. Investing in vocational education is a necessity.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I would not support this.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
If we make it easier to start new businesses, have less taxes, lower cost insurance for new employees by allowing insurance to be purchased out of state for less cost, and changing the estate tax so more people will invest, and finding lower costing energy, I believe we could bring more jobs to our state.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would work for reasonable property taxes for Veterans. Many of our Veterans have given up years of earning for the future, many are dealing with health issues as a result of serving our country and need a worth while benefit.