After four terms in the Maine House, Kevin Glynn has set his sights on the District 7 Maine Senate seat.

A Republican, Glynn faces incumbent Lynn Bromley, a Democrat, and Keith Louis, the Maine Green Party candidate, in the election.

Glynn, 41, of Huntress Avenue in South Portland, said property taxes are his No. 1 issue.

Glynn is a fourth-generation South Portland resident. He attended the University of Southern Maine, studying computer science and mathematics. He currently works as the director of computer services for a community mental-health center in York County. Glynn has extensive municipal government experience, having served as a South Portland city councilor from 1989 to 1998, as well as four terms in the House. He lives with his wife of 11 years, Lorie.

Glynn said he will vote in favor of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, a measure aimed at capping municipal budgets.

“If we want taxes under control, we need to get spending under control,” said Glynn. He said the referendum process that TABOR stipulates to increase a municipal budget lets the people make up their own minds. Regardless if TABOR passes, Glynn said, the state needs to look a tax reform.

“Young people can’t afford the communities they grew up in,” said Glynn. “I have constituents who have seen their property tax double,” he said.

Property tax increases shouldn’t go beyond Social Security and pension increases, said Glynn. If the young and old are unable to afford to live in an area, the city would become one without a history or a future, he said. Glynn proposed that the Legislature passes a bill that freezes property taxes for retirees.

The health-care costs are out of control, said Glynn. He said Dirigo Choice is not working, and private companies should be allowed to offer competition in the area. Glynn argued that the state should also allow Maine residents to shop out of state for insurance.

In order to get the economy moving, Glynn suggested, the state should look first at taxes. Another problem with businesses in Maine is that they have no safeguards – a business could get shut down for making too much noise or causing an odor in an area, he said. Also, Glynn said, utility rates must be lower. Municipalities need to sit down with businesses and offer incentives, he said.

Of course, a balance must be struck between economic development and environmental standards, said Glynn. “We need to have high standards with mercury and dioxins,” he said.

Glynn said funding for schools is a priority, and that he voted for a raise in the minimum wage for teachers.

“I will not raise taxes,” said Glynn.

He thinks the state can cut spending within the Department of Health and Human Services. That department has thrown away millions, said Glynn. He said Maine is the only state with unending welfare benefits, something he would try to bring to an end.

“People should vote for me because I’m a tax cutter and I will cut their taxes,” said Glynn. He said he knows programs and laws and how they affect local areas.

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