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Maine State Legislature House races

Central Maine House and Senate races

Senate Candidates

Justin Alfond   –   District 8
Philip Bartlett II   –   District 6
Lawrence Bliss   –   District 7
Joseph Brannigan   –   District 9
Cynthia Bullens   –   District 11
Bullens has withdrawn from the race
Richard Burns   –   District 2
Ronald Collins   –   District 2
Jonathan Courtney   –   District 3
John Cushing   –   District 5
Gerald Davis   –   District 11
William Diamond   –   District 12
Peter Doyle   –   District 8
Michael Estes   –   District 1
Stanley Gerzofsky   –   District 10
Seth Goddall   –   District 19
Ann-Marie Grenier   –   District 12
Dawn Hill   –   District 1
Barry Hobbins   –   District 5
David Kaler   –   District 19
Jeffrey Martin   –   District 9
Matthew Mattingly   –   District 6
Christopher Miller   –   District 11
Joseph Palmieri   –   District 7
Owen Pickus   –   District 4
Robert Stackpole   –   District 3
Nancy Sullivan   –   District 4
Scott Thomas   –   District 10
Richard Woodbury   –   District 11


Maine State Legislature

Senate Races


As noted below, some candidates have not responded to our questionnaire. We will add their responses as they become available

Senate District 1
Eliot, Kittery, Ogunquit, South Berwick and York - Map
Name: Mike Estes
District/Office being sought: Maine Senate District 1
Date of birth : 11/01/52
Family : Terry, Erin, and Kate
Residence: 4 Carrie Lynn Lane, York, ME
Political party: Republican
Employment: Owner of Estes Oil and Propane
Education: High School
Political experience: 5 1/2 years on School Committee, 5 1/2 years on Board of Selectman
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign Website: www.mikeestesforstatesenate.com

1. Why are you running for office?
Like 50% of the people in Maine I think we are going in the wrong direction. As a business owner I spend a lot of my time trying to adhere to very burdensome regulations from both the state and federal governments. As a local selectman I am constantly involved in working out way through burdensome state mandates to local municipalities that are costly and very unproductive. As a business owner and a local official I think that that I am well positioned to help in fixing these problems.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Creating a business friendly environment that creates good paying jobs that put Maine people back to work. To do this we must first rein in state spending beyond our means

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No I would not support tax increase to balance the budget

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
First, we must reduce health care cost by removing regulations that make us different from the rest of the country. Second, we need to reduce electricity costs by allowing Canadian power in the short term while we build an energy policy for the next 100 years. Lastly, we must fast track approvals of economic development projects through the DEP, LURC, PUC and other state agencies.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Putting people back to work and promoting a more business friendly climate so businesses will come here, the ones we already have will expand, and so that our young can stay and work while raising their families.



Name: Dawn Hill
No information submitted

Senate District 2
Acton, Berwick, Cornish, Lebanon, Limerick, Newfield, North Berwick, Parsonsfield, Shapleigh and Wells - Map
Name: Rick Burns
District/Office being sought: Maine State Senate, District 2
Date of birth : 5/13/1957
Family : Wife, Andrea, 5 children, 5 grandchildren
Residence: Berwick
Political party: FDR Democrat
Employment: Carpenter
Education: BA Social Science
Political experience: 2 terms House of Representatives
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign website? www.rickburns.org

1. Why are you running for office?
To ensure that the voices of working families, farmers and small business owners are clearly represented in our state senate.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Lost jobs through unfair trade with the World Trade Organization and special interests resulting in lost health care access and mortgage insecurity in our homes. Maine's legislature needs to join with other states to combat this trend.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I would support an end to corporate welfare that shifts the tax burden onto the shoulders of working families, farmers and small business.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Stop selling America to China. Establish fair trade and jobs providing upward mobility, Investment in high speed internet, Investment in high speed rail service, Reduce energy costs

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
To empower the people of this district with the knowledge that they can have government that works in their interest rather than for special interests.



Name: Ronald Collins
No information submitted
Senate District 3
Alfred, Limington, Lyman, Sanford and Waterboro - Map
Name: Jonathan Courtney
District/Office being sought: State Senate #3
Date of birth : 7/16/66
Family : Married, 3 grown Children, 3 Grandchildren
Residence: 31 Birchwood Lane, Springvale
Political party: Republican
Employment: Self Employed : Courtney Cleaners
Education: Marshwood
Political experience: Currently Assistant Republican Leader in the Maine Senate, Maine Senate 2004-present, Maine House of Representatives 2002-2004, Served on the Sanford Warrant Committee and Town Meeting member.
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign website? joncourtney.com

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running for office to change the direction of Maine. We need to create a new culture in state government where every member treats job creation as a top priority. These times require a new type of leadership where elected officials roll up our sleeves and work together to create jobs, prioritize spending and reduce the tax burden on hardworking Mainers. I am working hard to have the opportunity to be part of a new direction for Maine.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs! We must remove the impediments that currently exist in Maine to create good jobs. We must make every department in state government and the Legislature accountable for their actions that discourage investment in Maine.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
NO. I have opposed numerous tax increases in my time in the Senate. We must grow the economy and increasing taxes will hurt the economy.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to create a culture change in state government where bureaucrats are not an impediment to new opportunities. We must also expand tax credits so true small businesses can benefit as well as large ones. We need to encourage people to take a chance and start their own business by removing the overwhelming obstacles that exist today. We need to reward success and encourage job creators.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would like to help change the culture of the state to encourage self reliance. I would also like pass my tax proposal that was defeated last year that would reduce the income tax by directing future revenues to reduce the income tax to 4.5% and remove people from the tax rolls that earn less than $30,000 per year. By making this commitment we can encourage investment in Maine and create more jobs and opportunity for all Mainers.



Name: Robert G. Stackpole
District/Office being sought: Maine Senate District 3
Date of birth : 12/19/1953
Family : Wife Mary, son Rory, daughter Emily, daughter Nicole, son Mark
Residence: Sanford
Political party: Democrat
Employment: 1986 — Present - Technology Coordinator MSAD#57; 1981 — 1986 - Elementary Classroom Teacher Shapleigh Memorial School; 1980 — 1981 - Elementary Classroom Teacher Maple Street School Danvers, Mass.; 1995 — 2005 - Part-time Faculty University of Southern Maine
Education: 1987 — 1989 - University of Southern Maine Degree: M.S. Educational Administration; 1977 -1979 Salem State College Degree: B. S. Education; 1971 — 1973 - Berklee College of Music Certificate: Instrumental Performance
Political experience: Fifteen years on the Sanford School Committee, serving thirteen years as chair. Candidate for Maine Senate 2008
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign website? www.robertgstackpole.org

1. Why are you running for office?
I am a fighter. During my fifteen years on the Sanford School Board, I was never afraid to stand up and fight for what I believed in. I also pride myself in my ability to work collegially with others. I have had great success over the years bringing people together to solve community problems. This dynamic combination of skills has allowed me to develop into a strong community leader. I am running for the Maine Senate because the people of Senate District 3 deserve a strong leader in this Senate seat. For too long, weak leadership and backwards politics have cost District 3 citizens dearly. As your Senator, I will stand up and fight for the fair distribution of municipal revenue sharing, educational subsidies, funds for road maintenance, programs for our elderly and veterans, and others in need. York County is known as the "forgotten county". We can do better. Its time for a fresh face and fresh ideas.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Revenue! Where is the money going to come from? You can dawdle around the edges and cut, cut here and snip, snip there, but until a positive and sustainable revenue stream is created, the State economy will continue to resemble a roller coaster. How do we create a sustainable revenue stream? We establish pathways for investments into the programs and infrastructure that put people back to work in high-paying, high-skilled jobs. I am talking about public-private work place training facilities, tax moratoriums on green energy producing industries who hire and train Maine workers, expanding access to high speed Internet and establishing "net neutrality" so people can run cottage businesses from home. If we provide incentives in the workplace, the revenue will follow, and the people of this State will all be winners.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. If, in your personal budget, as the result of a money shortage you go out and get an additional part-time job, typically what happens? You might resolve your money shortage, but you quickly learn how to spend the new revenue. So you continue to work your part-time job and most likely end up with another money shortage down the road. While vastly more complicated, State budgets work the same way. We are not going to be able to tax our way out of the situation we are in. We need to create investment pathways, put people to work in high-skilled, high-paying jobs, and increase revenue.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We don't need to bring jobs TO Maine. We need to expand job opportunities for Mainers within Maine and facilitate the creation of new environmentally friendly industries throughout the State. Foremost, these jobs need to be high-skilled, high-paying jobs. Access to these jobs has to be through a level playing field of training opportunities. This does not have to be done on the "taxpayers" nickel." Business and industry will benefit from having a higher skilled work force. Government and the private sector need to figure out a way to share resources and work together to make this happen. Maine's workforce is already credited with being one of the hardest working and most ethical in the country. If you combine these qualities with updated skills, there will be no stopping us.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I am a career educator. Therefore, I see education as the solution to many problems. Today education comes in many forms, from Liberal Arts to Vocational, and many other formats in between. I believe in people. I believe that if a person can be empowered to live a better life, then this is a great thing. If I am elected, one of my guiding lights will be to create opportunities, educational or otherwise, which can raise an individual's standard of living and self-esteem through that person's efforts. Regardless of past experiences and choices made, everyone deserves the right to live a dignified life where their life is better than their parents' life, and their children's lives will be better still.

Senate District 4
Arundel, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Biddeford - Map
Name: Owen Pickus, D. O., J.D.
District/Office being sought: District #4 State Senate Seat
Date of birth : 1/1/49
Family : Wife & 3 Children
Residence: 18 Peter Pond Lane Biddeford, Maine
Political party: Republican
Employment: Maine Centers for Healthcare (Physician) Pickus and Epstein, LLC. ( Attorney)
Education: Brooklyn College of the City of New York (BS 1971), Michigan State Univ. College of Osteopathic Medicine ( Doctorate 1974), University of Maine School of Law ( Juris Doctorate 2007)
Political experience: Maine State Republican Committee 1986-1990 Chairman of Bush for President, Cumberland County 1988 Chairman of the Committee to Advise the Dept. of Human Services on AIDS (1986-1990) Clean Election Candidate Campaign Website: pickusforsenate.com

1. Why are you running for office?
As a physician, attorney and small businessman for over 30 years, I have the skills and knowledge to help reduce waste and improve access in the implementation of the new Healthcare Bill. I want to streamline State Government, making it more efficient and less costly to operate.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Rebuilding the economy & jobs.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No, the people of Maine bear too great a tax burden already.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to make our business climate more attractive by lowering the tax burden and changing the administrative review process so that it is business friendly . We must provide tax incentives to expand business and increase the number of jobs in Maine.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
In order to stop the brain drain in Maine I would offer tax incentives against student loans for those graduates who remain in Maine for five years or longer. In order to keep our graduates in Maine, we must create a business friendly climate for companies who will then provide good paying jobs for our young people.



Name: Nancy Sullivan
No information submitted
Senate District 5
Buxton, Dayton, Old Orchard Beach, Saco and Biddeford - Map
Name: John Cushing
No information submitted



Name: Barry Hobbins
District/Office being sought: Senate District 5
Date of birth : 5/17/51
Family : married to Donna Monson Hobbins, Three children ages 17, 23, 26
Residence: 22 Glenhaven Circle, Saco
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Attorney (private practice- Law Offices of Barry Hobbins PA, Saco (1978-present)
Education: High School: Thornton Academy (1969), College: attended St Michael's College (1969-71), University of Maine, Orono (1973) B.A. Political Science, Law School: Franklin Pierce Law Center (now known as University of New Hampshire School of Law) Juris Doctorate Degree (1977)
Political experience: 6 terms in the House of Representatives, (1972-1984, (House Chair Judiciary Committee), 4 terms in the State Senate , (1988-1990) (2004-present) (Senate Chair Judiciary Committee (1988-1990, 2004-2008), Senate Chair Utilities and Energy Committee, (2008-present)
Publicly financed candidate? Clean Election Qualified Candidate
Campaign website? None at present time

1. Why are you running for office?
It has been an honor and privilege to have served in elective office throughout different stages of my life beginning at 21 years of age as a State Representative representing Saco. Public service means a great deal to me and his played a major role in my life..
I seek re-election to my last term in the Senate because I want to continue to utilize my life experiences to improve the quality of life for my Constituents and for the State of Maine. I believe that I possess a unique blend of business, legislative, public policy and legal experiences that is needed to tackle the difficult challenges that face our State Government.
As a life long resident of Maine who comes from modest means, I understand the importance of hard work, a good education and instilled family values that taught me of the importance of giving back to our Community.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest single issue facing the State of Maine is to aggressively take immediate steps to improve the economic environment of our State in order to foster and create high paying jobs. It will take a creative public/private partnership to develop an educated workforce that will perform meaningful tasks to improve the quality of life in our State.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Our economic climate is very fragile and any talk of a tax increase will weaken the resolve of our citizens. Since I was elected to the State Senate in 2004 I have supported reducing state budgets by over $1.2 billion in order to balance the budgets. The reality is that more cuts will be needed to balance upcoming state budget unless the economy improves. The deep recession has significantly increased the demand for state assistance by my constituents who a proud people who do not want a handout but are forced to ask for assistance, many for the first time. It is my hope that the trimmed down safety net will be enough to withstand the ongoing recession. Legislators will be faced with even more difficult choices if the Federal Government does not provide additional stimulus funds for 2011. The stimulus funds last year was used to plug a $840 Million deficit hole in the budget.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
The State needs to continue to aggressively develop a business friendly environment to attract companies to locate in our State. The State needs to continue to develop a new green economy based "blueprint" that will enhance our natural resources. This "blueprint" should include a public/private partnership that educates and trains/retrains our dedicated workforce in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Maine is becoming the leader in the infancy stage of developing ocean energy projects ( off shore wind, wave, tidal). In addition, the State should take a leading role in promoting such projects as the wood composite research that is taking place on the campus of the University of Maine. The State should continue to bring broadband and related telecommunications projects to the rural parts of our State. There also needs to be expanded loan and grant programs to assist small businesses and "Main Street" redevelopment projects.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to continue my efforts to lay the ground work for developing a new economic model that interfaces a better educated workforce with a business base that will develop renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and encourage small business development. In short, creating a well trained work force that both utilizes and protects our natural resources. I will continue to "think beyond the box" in addressing the governmental process.

Senate District 6
Gorham, Scarborough and Westbrook - Map
Name: Philip L. Bartlett II
District/Office being sought: Senate District 6
Date of birth : 9/24/76
Family : Daughter Abigail Ann
Residence: 141 South Street, Gorham
Political party: D
Employment: Attorney with Scaccia, Lenkowski, Aranson & Bartlett
Education: B.A.., Economics & Political Science, Tufts University; JD, Harvard Law School
Political experience: Elected to Senate in 2004.
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign website? www.philbartlett.com

1. Why are you running for office?
I am committed to the State of Maine a better place to live, work, run a business and raise a familty.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The economy. We need to create jobs by encouraging incentives for new and growing businesses, by reining in rising health care costs and lowering energy costs.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Our first priority must be to continue improving the efficiency of Maine government while making strategic investments to grow Maine's economy.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Recent investments in renewable energy will continue to leverage private resources to grow this important sector of our economy. We must also continue incentives such as Pine Tree Zones to ensure new and existing businesses have an opportunity and incentive to grow their workforce in Maine.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
At the end of my term, success will be measured by the extent to which we have worked together across party lines to strengthen our State while protecting its unique character.



Name: Matt Mattingly
District/Office being sought: District 6 Senate — Gorham, Part of Westbrook and Part of Scarborough
Date of birth : Oct of 1967
Family : Married to Amy, Two Children Abby and Zoe
Residence: Gorham
Political party: R
Employment: PineCrest Inn
Education: BA
Political experience: Gorham Town Council
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign website? www.mattmattingly.com

1. Why are you running for office?
Maine can no longer afford the anti business philosophy of the controlling leadership. If the people are to prosper we must face the economic reasons why we are here today and change them. The people and small businesses of Maine can no longer afford our current path nor our current leadership.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest issue is our economy. The controlling leadership pretends to support jobs but targets small business with increased regulation and increased taxes. We must take monumental and profound steps to encourage our local economy and jobs.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Over my dead body. We reduce spending to balance the budget, not increase taxes. Increasing taxes is the solution of the last 30 years of failed policy not the solution of the future.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Unless we change our attitude towards small business, bringing jobs to Maine will only get more difficult. We cannot expect a legislature to support jobs if they don't support business. You cannot be pro jobs and anti business at the same time.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
If I could change one thing I would open up the health insurance market. 20% savings in premium expense would drop $300 Million in savings back into the communities and families of Maine. The schools in Gorham, Westbrook and Scarborough alone would save over $3 Million year. That's $3 Million back in our pockets and off of our property taxes. $300 Million returned to our communities will stimulate jobs, businesses and sustainable growth.

Senate District 7
Cape Elizabeth, South Portland and Scarborough - Map
Name: Lawrence Bliss
District/Office being sought: State Senate, District 7 (South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough)
Date of birth : December 29, 1946
Family : Partner, and 3 children
Residence: 504 Cottage Road, South Portland
Political party: Democrat
Employment: I am currently the State Senator for this District.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from the University of California, and Master of Administration in Public Administration from the University of California.
Political experience: Four terms as member of the House of Representatives, representing the Willard neighborhood of South Portland, and one term as member of the State Senate from this district.
Publicly financed candidate? I am a Clean Elections candidate.
Campaign website? www.lawrencebliss.info

1. Why are you running for office?
I'm running because I believe I have made a difference for Maine during my current Senate term, but want to continue working on a tax reform package that the people of Maine will embrace. I want to continue working to protect the environment, to increase the economic vitality of the region and the state, and to work for safety and equality for all people in Maine.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest issue today is the state of the economy. The rest of the country will probably come out of this economic downturn sooner than Maine, and we'll have to work hard to protect our jobs and existing small businesses, and encourage others to grow. We have to remove obstacles to growth, and encourage education as a route to economic development. I'm proud that the Greater Portland Chamber of Commerce gave me an award this past year for my work in economic development for the region.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No single answer will balance the budget. We have to continue to cut programs and consolidate others. We've done a good job of this over the past eight years, and there isn't much left to cut. We cannot just push the deficit off onto the municipalities. I support a short-term (two years) one-cent increase in the sales tax, with a "sunset clause" as a move in the right direction. With a huge budget shortfall, every option has to be on the table.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Just creating "enterprise zones" isn't the answer. Businesses might relocate if the price is right, but they are also concerned about good roads and bridges, affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, quality schools, and access to high-speed broadband. We have to look at all of these interrelated aspects of growth, and then do some recruiting. South Portland, Scarborough, and Gorham have gotten it right: they recruit as a team, rather than fighting over new potential businesses.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to see a roadmap to economic development, with public-private partnerships talking about ways to streamline permitting processes, offering joint solutions to economic problems, and encouraging new businesses to come to Maine. I want to see a larger version of "Maine and Company" that has the resources to really recruit businesses, and the ability to marshal public and private support for its efforts. And I want to see real interaction with this effort from the Community Colleges, helping to provide training in the fields that make sense for new businesses.



Name: Joe Palmieri
District/Office being sought: District 7 State Senate
Date of birth : 2/20/57
Family : WIFE 2 children Michael 25 Esther 19
Residence: South Portland
Political party: Republican
Employment: Owner of Chicago Dogs Scarborough/ On leave during campaign from WJAB Radio
Education: Graduate of Emerson College
Political experience: Political reporter for WGME/WPXT. No elected political experience
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign website?

1. Why are you running for office?
I have lived in Maine for more than 2o years. Over that time I have seen a lot of change. Much of it good but not all. I now see many of our children who we educated in our school leaving because they cannot find meaningful work, the cost of living is too high, and taxes eat much of what they are able to earn. I want to be able to begin changing that. I have 2 children and I like many parents would love to see them settle in Maine. To do that things have to change and I want to be part of that change

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The biggest issue is jobs! Everything else is a symptom. We have problems funding our schools, roads, and public services because we rely on too few people paying too much in taxes. Instead of giving everyone a small piece of the pie we need to concentrate on maing the pie larger. We need more taxpayers not higher taxes.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. We are one of the higest taxed states in the country. We do not need to take more from people who have no more to give.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
There are a number of things we can do. Those include reducing electric rates by working with our neighbors in Canada. That could be an immediate savings to business. We need to streamline the regulatory system. We need to do a cost analysis on any new and existing regulations. Are those regulations job killers? If so the regulations need to go or be modified. We need to work closely with our community college system and tailor studies to businesses wanting to settle in Maine. But and the end of the day we need to change the overall climate. We have a deserved reputation of being anti business. We need to let job creators across the nation in January Maine will be open for business and jobs.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want people to be able to go to work, make a decent living and have time to enjoy everything Maine has to offer. I have lived in 7 different states. This is a very special place.

Name: Justin Alfond

District/Office being sought: Senate 8
Date of birth : 01/08/1975
Family : Wife, Rachael.
Residence: Portland
Political party: Democratic
Employment: Real Estate Developer
Education: Finance Degree from Tulane University
Political experience: 2 years, State Senate
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign website? www.AlfondForSenate.com

1. Why are you running for office?
To continue the work I started in my first term: to sustain, attract, and incubate jobs; to improve our educational system from pre-k through college; to help make government more efficient and accountable.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs and economic development. The foundation for both is a strong educational system.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I support a balanced approach to address our next biennial budget.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Maine must continue to invest in our educational system in order to train a skilled, educated workforce. We must make Maine an attractive place for the best and brightest in the world to relocate. Additionally, Maine must continue to drive down the cost of health care and energy to help Maine business' bottom line. Finally, Maine's private and public sectors must increase the access to capital and streamline how businesses interact with government.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I want to create a long-term vision for Maine's educational system.



Name: Peter Doyle
District/Office being sought: Senate 8
Date of birth : 10/11/1964
Family : Single
Residence: 49 Cumberland Avenue, Portland 04101
Political party: Republican
Employment: Software developer
Education: B.A. Mathematics/Geography 1986 University of North Carolina @ Chapel Hill
Political experience: None
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign website? DOYLEFORMAINESENATE.COM

1. Why are you running for office?
I would like to do all I can to develop Portland to its maximum potential and improve upon the great quality of place that is Portland. I believe that as a state senator I could bring state funding to enhance Portland's waterfront, improve Portland's infrastructure (including city trails and bike paths), and make Portland an inviting place for private sector employers to set up shop. The proposed improvements should attract in-state and out-of-state employers and tourists -- boosting the local economy and setting it on a path for self-perpetuating growth and local pride.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The loss of good-paying jobs.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No, our state legislators need to learn how to spend more wisely the tax dollars we already authorize to them, just as our individual citizens do.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Reinforce investment and attracting quality employers to our state, stabilize the tax and regulatory environment to give predictability to those who already have set up business here, and also protect the environment and our quality of life. We also want to encourage citizens to invest in their own educations and in worker re-training to improve job prospects and attract employers with better jobs.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I'd like to make sure that Portland gets back its fair share of state revenues from income and sales taxes and re-investing it in our city. I see that kind of boost having a big impact on local economic growth and perhaps leading to a reduction in the local property tax burden.

Senate District 9
Westbrook and Portland - Map
Name: Joseph C Brannigan
District/Office being sought: Senate Dist. 9
Date of birth : 7/ 16/ 31
Family : wife Claire son Luke
Residence: 168 Concord St., Portland
Political party: Dem.
Employment: Retired from Shalom House Inc
Education: USM MSed
Political experience: Me Leg House 14 years Senate 12years
Publicly financed candidate? No
Campaign website? jbrannig@maine.rr.com

1. Why are you running for office?
Wish to continue contributing wisdom and experance for the people of Portland and Westbrook

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Debt. Budget defecit and long term unfunded liability.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Depends on the peoples desire for the alternative. The budjet must be balanced.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Beat the drum for all we have and what we can be.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Speak out for Seniors and all those who have a hard time speaking up for themselves.



Name: Jeff Martin
District/Office being sought: Senate District 9
Date of birth : January 17, 1971
Family : Married with two children
Residence: 131 Hope Ave. Portland
Political party: Republican
Employment: Owner, Foreside Real Estate Management and a former CPA
Education: BS Economics, USM
Political experience: None
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign website? Jeffmartinsenate.com

1. Why are you running for office?
As a business and family man, it is apparent to me that the state is heading in the wrong direction. I believe that it is not going to change by continuing to send the same career politicians to Augusta and I felt that I couldn't just sit on the sidelines. Also, I believe that with my skill set and life experiences, I would better represent the views of those living in my district in this difficult economic climate.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Job creation and the economy. With the perspective of a licensed C.P.A. and former Auditor I know what keeps this from happening in Maine. - Out of control and sometimes capricious application of regulations. Why, as your paper recently reported, does it take $15,000 to open a variety store/gas station in New Hampshire and over $50,000 to start the same business in Maine. Something is wrong with this no matter what my opponent may claim.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I will not support a tax increase in this economic environment. We have to stop thinking of always taxing the few well paid workers we have left in this state. We have to bring cost controls and reforms to programs that reward people not to work while at the same time punishing those that try to work their way out of welfare dependency.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Recently several top physicians turned down an opening at Maine Medical Center with this comment, "We can sail and ski someplace else where high earners aren't the enemy but a necessary component of a vibrant economy." This is the reputation that has to be stopped, and stopped this year. We will fail as a government if Maine is perceived as against success.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
We need to reverse over 30 years of anti-business, anti-job creation, and anti-growth. This year, like no other, we are at a serious crossroad for Maine. We need new leadership that knows what a balance sheet is and more importantly how to read one. We can't afford one more two year cycle like the last 30 years. We're walking on the edge of a financial cliff in our state government. We need to make changes now before we go over the edge.

Senate District 10
Brunswick, Freeport, Harpswell and Pownal - Map
Name: Sen. Stanley Gerzofsky
District/Office being sought: Senate District 10
Date of birth : 12/18/44
Family : One daughter
Residence: 3 Federal Street. Brunswick Political Party: Democrat
Employment: Retired furniture maker
Education: Pasadena City College, Calif.
Political experience: - Eight years, Maine House of Representatives; - Two years, Maine State Senate
Publicly financed candidate? Clean Election Candidate Campaign Website: No

1. Why are you running for office?
Because I still have some unfinished tasks especially related to the redevelopment of the Brunswick Naval Air Station, such as creating and creating an environment that brings jobs to my Senate district. We've had some success and I want to finish it.I think this election is really about jobs and accomplishments. It's not about talk , it's about proven results.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Jobs and the economy.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
That's a big question for yes or no. It's got to make sense. We've voted on tax reform proposals four times since I've been in the legislature, and I voted against three of them. I thought they were shifting money from one pocket to the other. The last one I did vote for, because it lowered the income tax and I thought that was very important for attacting entrepreneurs and jobs to Maine.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Through better training and education designed towards the new emerging industries. That is what we are doing at the Naval Air Station with Kestler Air, an airplane manufacturer. We also need to continue trying to make sense out of our tax structure.



Name: Scott Thomas
District/Office being sought: Senate District 10
Date of birth : December 19, 1952
Family : wife Ruth, three adult children
Residence: Freeport
Political party: Republican
Employment: Owner, Brewster House Bed & Breakfast, Freeport
Education: College: Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; Law School: Southwestern University, Los Angeles.
Political experience: Appointed: member Santa Clara (California) Committee on Consumer Affairs (elected chair — twice); Elected: none
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign website? www.Thomas4Senate2010.com

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running for Maine Senate because I see a state government whose spending, taxation, and regulation has threatened the economic future of my family, and of every family in Maine. I believe these problems can be solved, if people are willing to be part of the solution. I am running because I want to be part of the solution.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Without a doubt the biggest issue is Maine's economy, and particularly the weak job market for the people of Maine.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No, I would not.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We will have more jobs in Maine when we make Maine more receptive to businesses who can bring jobs to Maine. Whether companies locate a facility in Maine, or whether existing companies expand, businesses will bring jobs to Maine. Unlike subsidized jobs or government-funded jobs, these jobs will be sustainable jobs as long as Maine is an attractive place for businesses to operate.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Speaking generally, I want Maine to become a place where its people can prosper, because jobs are plentiful and the economy can thrive.

Senate District 11
Cumberland, Falmouth, Gray, Long Island, North Yarmouth and Yarmouth - Map
Name: Cynthia Bullens
Bullens has withdrawn from the race. She has announced that she is supporting Woodbury.



Name: Gerald M. Davis
District/Office being sought: Maine Senate District #11
Date of birth : 1936
Family : Wife, Sandra; 3 children - Brian, Brett, Katie; 11 grandchildren - Cheyanne, Nathaniel, Gerald, Brett Jr., Benjamin, Stephanie, Ruth, Mason, John, Liberty, Josie.
Residence: Falmouth
Political party: Republican
Employment: Retired history teacher, Portland High School
Education: Bates College, BA in History; USM, Masters in History and Education.
Political experience: Maine Senate 2008-2010, Maine House of Representatives, 4 terms, 1998-2006; Falmouth School Board 2 terms, 1975-78 & 1985-88
Publicly financed candidate? yes

1. Why are you running for office?
I strongly believe in public service. President John F. Kennedy said it succinctly in his inaugural address, "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
The next legislature must deal with the state's financial crisis and balance it with concern for families who are struggling, and ensure that our youth are well prepared to become productive members of society.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
I would not support a tax increase to balance the budget. Maine people have a lower per capita income compared to many other states. Maine citizens can't afford to pay more taxes.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Small businesses provide 80% of the jobs in Maine. Business regulations need to become less punitive and more supportive to allow Maine's small businesses to flourish. Alternative energy sources competing in the open market will create more employment opportunities.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I would like to see more cooperation and discussion among legislators, Democrats and Republicans, to solve Maine's fiscal crisis—less party dogma and more common sense solutions to long standing problems in Maine.



Name: Christopher Miller
No information submitted



Name: Dick Woodbury
District/Office being sought: State Senate, District 11
Date of birth : October 10, 1961
Family : Debbie (wife), Sam (18), Ben (17), Matthew (14)
Residence: Yarmouth
Political party: Independent
Employment: National Bureau of Economic Research
Education: BA, Williams, PhD in economics, Harvard
Political experience: Maine House, 2002-2008.
Publicly financed candidate? Yes Campaign website: www.dickwoodbury.com

1. Why are you running for office?
Nearly everything the legislature touches this session should be evaluated based on its long-term economic impact. My experience as an economist and Independent fit both the policy challenge of reenergizing Maine's economy, and the political challenge of overcoming partisanship.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Our economy is at a tipping point. It could become much better or worse, depending on the policy decisions we make. In every area — taxes, health care, education, pensions, budgeting — reforms are needed to improve our economy and create jobs.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. We need tax reform and massive budget reform, but with no more than existing resources. We are in a hole. The next budget should focus on debt reduction, long-term investments over current spending, and elimination of the structural deficit.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Most important are lowering income taxes, lowering health care costs, educating and motivating people toward their potential, reducing regulatory fees and paperwork, and facilitating regulatory compliance. Maine has enormous economic potential, if we remove the impediments to economic vibrancy.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Maine's fiscal capacity is strangled by unfunded liabilities, debts, indefinite future commitments, overuse of tax expenditures and chronic structural deficits. I want to totally reinvent our fiscal policies to be sustainable, balanced, future-oriented, and with incentives for economic growth

Senate District 12
Casco, Frye Island, Hollis, Raymond, Standish and Windham - Map
Name: Bill Diamond
District/Office being sought: Senate District 12
Date of birth : 2/19/45
Family : Married, wife Jane, two adult daughters, 7 3/4 grand children (8th due on Oct. 25)
Residence: Self Employed - small business owner
Political party: Bachelor of Science Degree - Education, Master Degree - Administration 30 credit hrs post MS
Employment: Democrat
Education:
Political experience: Served in House & Senate late 70's early 80's, former Maine Secretary of State, 6 yrs Maine Senate
Publicly financed candidate? Not publicly financed candidate
Campaign website?

1. Why are you running for office?
I have a sincere interest in helping Maine get through the current national recession. As Senate Chair of the state budget committee I have worked with Democrats and Republicans to pass five (5) unanimous state budgets over the past two years.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Working in a bipartisan manner to balance the next two year budget. We cut $800 million dollars over the past two (2) years and more reductions will be necessary. Bringing jobs to the state by promoting small businesses is critically important.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
We cannot have tax increases at this time. We balanced the current budget without raising taxes and we must have the same determination in balancing the next budget. Taxpayers have reached their limit and cannot afford more taxes.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
By offering incentives to businesses to come to Maine and incentives for existing businesses to create more jobs. We've started that process in the lakes region through tax incentives and businesses are now looking to come to our region.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Balance the budget without raising taxes and help small businesses. As the Director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses said, "I have found Bill Diamond to be both approachable and understanding of issues that concern Maine small business owners...."



Name: Ann-Marie Grenier
District/Office being sought: Senate District 12
Date of birth : 6/18/1964
Family : Married 23years, no children
Residence: Windham, Maine
Political party: Republican
Employment: Registered Dental Hygienist, 30 years in the private sector
Education: University of Maine at Orono, Associates of Science, Phi Betta Kappa
Political experience: None
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign website? Facebook fan page Ann-Marie Grenier for Maine Senate

1. Why are you running for office?
To give the government back to the people, to be an effective Citizen Legislator, a Statesman. I believe this is a crucial role. We have seen what the career politicians have brought us to with their fiscal irresponsibility. As Maine citizens we have all been saddled with an 11.5Billion dollar debt burden, not including the unfunded liabilities, courtsey of these career politicians. I would like to go to Augusta to work with the new Governor, to be part of the solution. I would like to ensure that state government spends every tax dollar wisely. I will not tolerate wasteful spending. I will fight to keep every dollar where it rightfully belongs, in your pocket!

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
I believe the biggest single issue facing the state is our state debt burdens. We are all responsible for our debt burdens, created by our legislators, who have presided over the wasteful spending efforts that have caused Maine to possess one of the biggest state government debts in the nation, a debt that costs over 22,200 per Maine household. This is not acceptable. We as hard-working Mainers deserve a more affordable, responsible and principled Legislature.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No, in fact I have signed The State of Maine Taxpayers Protection Pledge, a pledge to the taxpayers of District 12 of the State of Maine and all the people of this state that I will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We need to become more business friendly. I will work to get the Anti-Business Regulations and attitudes turned into Pro —Business Regulations and attitudes. We could improve the business climate by working to lowering utility costs, removing burdensome regulations and lowering taxes. Forbes Magazine recently has Maine as dead last in the nation for its business climate. We can no longer afford to keep our current legislators in office. We need to take a good hard look at our legislators voting records and replace them accordingly. Those that are Anti-business need to be voted out; after all it is our businesses in this state that are the engines of our economy NOT the government. You can count on my NFIB rating to be 100% as opposed to my opponent's lowly 40%. This means that Mr. Diamond votes 60% of the time AGAINST small businesses, the virtual engine of Maine's economy. My MERI rating will be "very strong" as opposed to Mr. Diamond "week" rating.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
I will work to bring the tax burden on Mainers in line with what New Hampshire residents are paying. New Hampshire is rated as having the second lowest tax burden in the nation, bettered only by Alaska. There is no reason why Maine can't be at least number three.

Senate District 19
Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Dresden, Georgetown, Perkins Twp., Phippsburg, Richmond, Topsham, West Bath and Woolwich - Map
Name: Seth Goodall
Date of birth : March 17, 1978
Family : Married
Residence: 5 Church Street, Richmond, Maine 04357
Political party: Democrat
Employment: Attorney at Dyer, Goodall & Denison, P.A.
Education: University of Connecticut, B.S. and M.S; University of Maine School of Law, J.D.
Political experience: Former Chair of the Town of Richmond Select Board
Publicly financed candidate? Yes Campaign Website: www.sethgoodall.com

1. Why are you running for office?
To help make Maine a better place to live, work and do business, while improving educational and job opportunities.

2. What's the biggest single issue facing the state?
Job creation. Maine needs to create an improved business climate that has an educated workforce that fosters job creation and economic development. Until we improve our economy, we will continue to face budget shortfalls for years to come.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
Now is not the time to raise board-based taxes in order to balance the budget. The next Legislature must work in a bi-partisan, solution-orientated fashion, which will require a thoughtful, public review of all programs, in order to balance the budget.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
We must reduce our income tax, lower our cost of energy and sustainably manage our natural resources in order to attract additional capital investment to Maine, while continuing to improve educational opportunities to prepare our children and workforce for the future.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Represent my constituents well by working across multiple policy areas that helps strengthen our economy and improve educational and job opportunities.



Name: David. S. Kaler
District/Office being sought: State Senate District 19
Date of birth : October 3, 1939
Family : Wife Sandra, Daughter Marnie and grandson Katahdin
Political party: Republican
Employment: Retired BIW
Education: Morse High, Associates Degree in History USM
Political experience: 4 yrs Selectman, Lincoln County Waste to Energy Commission, Maine Harness Racing Promotion Board
Publicly financed candidate? Yes
Campaign website? davidkaler.com

1. Why are you running for office?
I am running because I want to help get the state's economy going again. We have had over three decades of one party rule in Augusta and we need to bring balance and common sense back ito state government. What's the biggest single issue facing the state? The state is facing a likely billion dollar shortfall this session and the legislature needs to streamline government so that Maine citizen's can afford to live and work in Maine.

3. Would you support a tax increase to balance the budget?
No. Maine is one of the highest taxed states making us less competitive for businesses with good jobs. Previous tax reform didn't reduce taxes, just allocated them differently. We need to reduce state spending to allow meaningful tax relief.

4. How could we bring more jobs to Maine?
Lower the cost of doing business in Maine. That means reducing taxes, regulatory costs, and making Maine a more business friendly state. All candidates say they will do this but their voting records speak differently.

5. What's one thing you want to accomplish if elected?
Restore fiscal responsibility in the state budget process. When we fund every special interest program, we waste our limited resources and then do not have enough for education, our seniors and maintaining a safety net for our most vulnerable citizens.