PLACE OF RESIDENCY: Brunswick
PARTY AFFILIATION: Republican
PREVIOUS ELECTED EXPERIENCE: None
What about your past work has prepared you to serve in the state senate?
Our elected officials in Augusta come from many different walks of life, and Maine has a proud tradition of electing citizen legislators. My varied work experience brings me closer to the people of district 24 since I have experienced many of the same issues that individuals and business face on a regular basis. As a veteran of the war in Afghanistan I understand the importance reintroducing highly trained vets back into the work force. As a student I understand the difficultly of trying to find a career and start a family in a state that does not welcome business. As a fisherman I understand the challenges that self-employed people face when it comes to our burdensome tax system and unstable markets. As an entrepreneur I understand how complicated and cumbersome our regulatory system is. I am well acquainted with problems that individuals and business face on a regular basis due to complexities of government. My experiences span many industries, all of which will face different challenges in the coming years.
What can the legislature do to raise Midcoast Mainer’s incomes in the coming years?
The Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority has done an outstanding job of attracting high paying jobs into Brunswick landing. We need to continue to bring high paying jobs into the Mid coast region by encouraging an environment in which businesses need to compete for employees. Dozens of high tech companies have already opened their doors in the mid-coast region, and we need to continue to promote this growth. Corporate tax rates in Maine are nearly 9 percent, with the top tax rate starting at only $250,000. The top tax bracket needs to be raised in order to not affect small business or new startups, and rates need to be slashed across the board. Simply put, if we move towards a more business friendly environment incomes across the board go up.
What is the most pressing issue that you want addressed in the next legislative session?
Over regulation and taxation are stifling business opportunities in Maine. High corporate tax rates make Maine an unattractive location for business to start up or relocate. I have heard time and time again from business owners that the state regulation agencies are not on their side. Individuals operating businesses should not be forced to run around to dozens of different agencies every year just to apply for or renew permits for every aspect of their business. The process needs to be streamlined, agencies need to be combined, and the priorities of business should come first. Too often regulators forget that their role is to aid in economic development, not hinder it. The citizens of Maine are some of the hardest working in the country, but our strong work ethic matters nothing as we watch our wages and earnings go up in smoke because of high taxes and over-regulation. Taxes need to be lower, and the state needs to fight for business, not against it.
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