Area voters face full slate of candidates

Maine voters face numerous choices in national, state, county and local races in the Tuesday, November 7, election. In Washington County, the hottest race is for county sheriff, where three candidates have been sparring in their efforts to take over from the retiring sheriff, who is running for a seat in the legislature. There are also numerous races for seats in the Maine House of Representatives and Senate in this area.

Profiles of the national, state and county candidates follow, with information about U.S. Senate, U.S. House and gubernatorial candidates having been obtained from their websites.

U.S. SENATE
Democratic candidate Jean Hay Bright of Dixmont and independent candidate William Slavick of Portland are challenging Republican incumbent Olympia Snowe for the U.S. Senate.

Jean Hay Bright
Jean Hay Bright has worked as a reporter, organic farmer and a columnist. She writes, "My campaign is about ending the war, about getting our troops and our corporations out of Iraq, about ending the tragic loss of life of our young men and women, and about bringing peace, not conflict, to the other parts of the world. My campaign is about providing all Americans single-payer universal health care, so that our industries can be competitive, and we can unleash an entrepreneurial spirit in America not seen in generations. My campaign is about true homeland security; not confiscating penknives and authorizing illegal wiretaps, but about economy, energy and environment and education."

She would work for building a sustainable economy, restoring the nation's manufacturing capacity, and would be committed to renewable energy, based on conservation, solar, wind, hydro and other technologies, so the U.S. can develop a foreign policy based on peace, not exploitation.

She writes that her campaign is "about providing everyone with the opportunity for ample education. Not teaching to the test, but teaching how to think and reason."

"And my campaign is about the environment, understanding it and protecting it, about being good stewards, and about leaving this earth a better place than we found it, so that those who follow us will be healthy and productive. Most importantly, my campaign is about values, and about giving all of you the confidence you need to make the best choices for the days ahead."

William Slavick
William Slavick, a retired professor at the University of Southern Maine, writes, "The present market-driven economic system ill serves workers and the environment. Environmental protection can no longer be subordinated to economic production. We must have a living wage and a return to the common good social contract with single-payer health care, subsidized affordable housing, adequate funds for quality education, public transportation funding and adequate Social Security and funding C supported by fair taxation and reduced military expenditures."

He supports government encouragement of development of alternative fuels C wind, water, geothermal and biomass C and government assistance in retrofitting buildings and machinery to be more energy efficient.

While supporting a woman's right to abortion, he writes that a discussion should be held "of the abortion liberty to move from the political arena to the churches' promotion of reverence for human life and sexual responsibility."

He believes the government should fund quality K-12 education for all and should assist significantly in the funding of higher education and job training, through grants and loans. A term of public service should be rewarded with years of education, similar to the old G.I. bill.

On foreign policy, he writes, "The U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq represents a major failure of government C of arrogance, ignorance, incompetence and a racist contempt for the people of Iraq." He advocates that the U.S. should leave within 60 days. He believes that the U.S. should work with the United Nations to create a peaceful world, "not arrogantly pursue global domination through violence and bullying."

Olympia Snowe
Olympia Snowe is seeking her third six-year term in the U.S. Senate, having previously represented the 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House for 16 years. According to her website, Snowe has fought for fiscal restraint while making sure that important federal programs receive the funding they need in order to be successful. She has supported fiscal initiatives including targeted tax relief aimed at stimulating the economy and encouraging job growth. Snowe believes governmental policies must encourage the growth of small businesses. She has worked to lower the cost of providing health insurance to employees, to ensure financial resources for small businesses and to relieve small business owners from burdensome government regulations. She is an advocate for quality medical care for senior citizens and helped in creating the prescription drug benefit for seniors.

As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Snowe is committed to protecting the country from foreign and domestic threats.

She is a leader in the Senate when it comes to educational initiatives and helped create the E-Rate program, which makes it possible for schools and libraries in remote areas to access the Internet.

She supports innovative environmental and energy policies, particularly those that will decrease the country's dependency on foreign energy sources. She has pressed for measures that encourage conservation, including those that would raise fuel standards.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Republican candidate Laurence Scott D'Amboise of Lisbon is challenging Democratic incumbent Michael Michaud of East Millinocket for the 2nd District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Laurence Scott D'Amboise
Laurence D'Amboise would make it a priority to bring jobs to Maine and to make sure the jobs already in the state stay in Maine. He would work to bring businesses to rural areas, especially those that have been economically devastated. He would seek to lower the business tax and would work to make it affordable for companies to come to Maine.

He would fight to correct the Medicare system that has delayed reimbursement to rural area hospitals and physicians. He would also work for prescription drug benefits and for a patient's bill of rights.

D'Amboise believes that a secure border makes a country safer and would support the legislation that has been proven to protect the country. He would work to see that the men and women in the armed services are provided with the best equipment and armor available. According to his website, "He will do whatever it takes to rid the world of the evils of terrorism, while strengthening our relationships with our international allies." He would fight for the rights of veterans by making sure the government honors its commitment to those who have served the nation.

He would work to hold the federal government to its promise to fund its share of post-secondary education and to obtain funding for rural school districts and for special education.

Michael Michaud
Michael Michaud is finishing his first term representing the 2nd District in the U.S. House. Protecting jobs in Maine and investing in the state's economy are his top priorities. He believes that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been a disaster for the state. He helped develop last year's federal transportation funding bill that provides substantially more funding for Maine's highways and high priority projects than the last transportation bill six years ago. He has also introduced a bill to create a Northeast Regional Economic Development Committee to invest $40 million a year in the northeastern U.S.

He believes that greater access to health care is one of the most important issues. He is committed to promoting lower prices for prescription drugs, better access to medical providers and full coverage in rural areas. He opposed the legislation establishing the new Medicare prescription drug plan, since he believes it will not control rising prescription costs and has a large gap in coverage.

Michaud, a ranking member on the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Benefits, helped pass the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 and says he is dedicated to veterans' issues.

He supports renewable energy sources as the long-term solution for energy independence and opposed drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He has spoken out against efforts to weaken the Clean Water Act and supports full funding of the Clean Air Act.

GOVERNOR
Five candidates are on the ballot for governor C Democratic incumbent John Baldacci of Bangor, Green Independent Patricia LaMarche of Yarmouth, independent Barbara Merrill of Appleton, independent Phillip Morris NaPier of Portland and Republican Chandler Woodcock of Farmington.

John Baldacci
John Baldacci points to his record, which includes establishing Dirigo Health to provide health care coverage for Maine families and businesses. He says the state's economy is stronger than ever and points to a report by the Miliken Institute that names Maine the lowest costing state in which to do business in the northeastern U.S. Under his administration, the state has invested more in education than under any other governor in state history.

Three years ago Maine faced a $1.2 billion deficit, an empty rainy day fund, $275 million in annual borrowing to pay for short-term expenses, and statewide closures of paper companies. He says he has restored fiscal responsibility and balanced the state's books "the smart way."

In a recent op-ed piece, he wrote that his highest priority is ensuring that all hard-working Maine families have access to opportunities for good-paying jobs. "Education is key. We increased state funding to local education and investing in workforce development and research and development, all without raising broad-based taxes." He added, "I am working hard to improve Maine's overall business climate, attracting people and economic activity to the state and growing good paying jobs in the 21st century economy. Full implementation of my tax plan will result in additional state help for property taxpayers. The elimination of the tax on business equipment will attract new businesses to the state and help others expand."

He is opposed to casino gambling and writes that he is focusing "on sustainable economic development which adds value to our natural resource based industries."

Patricia LaMarche
Patricia LaMarche is a business manager, journalist, educator and broadcaster. Her website states that her universal health care plan would reduce property taxes and encourage the growth of new business in Maine, which would create a healthier economic climate. It would lower property taxes by reducing the amount each town and county pays to insure its employees.

Her plan would establish graduate schools in Maine to train doctors, dentists and pharmacists to boost the economy. New health care schools would create jobs and bring in funding for the state's economy. She also has a plan so that more Maine residents than before would be able to attend college, by using an extraction fee on the state's water to help pay for college costs.

She believes Maine should consider shifting the taxation burden from property taxes to real estate transfer taxes. "With property taxes, Mainers pay tax on a profit they have yet to make. A real estate transfer tax, on the other hand, let's you hold onto your money until you sell your house. Properly designed, a real estate transfer tax could also discourage speculation, which drives up both housing prices and property taxes."

While believing strongly in tax reform, she thinks there are better ways to cut taxes and increase revenue than the proposed Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

Her administration would assist businesses develop and apply new "green" technologies. The state, she believes, should lead the nation in the development of wind, water, tidal and biofuel sources of renewable energy. She believes that liquefied natural gas (LNG) is not a viable, long-term solution to the state's energy needs. She is opposed to the building of an LNG terminal in Maine.

Barbara Merrill
Barbara Merrill is a former lobbyist who left the Democratic Party. Among the points of her plan are "to end the current practice of state government doing special favors for a few large businesses and institute a reformed incentive program that is fair for all businesses." Concerning education, she writes, "If Maine did nothing other than gain a reputation for having the best schools in the country, we would guarantee a bright economic future."

"Maine leaders need to truly appreciate what every businessperson knows: if you want to make money, put your business on a busy road between two thriving areas, not at the end of a dead-end road. I am calling for Maine to get off the siding and get onto the fast track. I propose growing our economy by increasing our connectivity with Canada. The port of Portland used to be the gateway for European commercial sea traffic, and it can be again."

Concerning health care, she says, "State government, driven by the best intentions, has killed any choices in the health insurance market, and sticking with a failed system only exacerbates the problem. Reforms are desperately needed. As a first step, I will work with leaders to put in place a properly funded high-risk pool. Then we will see what steps we can take to make health insurance a better deal for young people. This is the key to reversing the negative selection spiral we are now on."

Phillip Morris NaPier
Phillip Morris NaPier describes himself as an American patriot turned revolutionary "who is rising up and working to make a good difference in my country." He alleges that he was "wronged and victimized" by the police. "After this police invasion onto my property and into my home and the brutal savage physical assault against my person, the local politicians and esquire judges refused to protect my rights as a poor individual man citizen."

His objectives as governor would include: abolishing the labeling of people; having the positions of judge held by people from the jury pool of Maine citizens, with lawyers excluded from holding those positions; lowering the voting age to 16 in order to foster a greater awareness of the democratic process in citizens beginning at a younger age; reorganizing the prison system to produce a self-supporting institution that would return nonviolent citizens to the larger society; the abolishing of favoritism, nepotism and cronyism for government employees; abolishing the state income tax.

He states, "As long as we the people harm no one else in this world of ours, we are entitled to be free and safe in our homes and elsewhere from government assaults."

Chandler Woodcock
Chandler Woodcock, a former high school teacher and basketball coach who has served three terms in the Maine Senate, emphasizes the need for a government partnership with the business community and has called for a series of tax reductions to make the operation of businesses in Maine more predictable and lucrative.

He supports the gradual elimination of the personal property tax on business equipment and initiating income tax reform by reducing the top marginal rate of 8.5% and increasing the minimum taxable income through economic growth and prudent government spending. He would introduce legislation to have the state's tax law conform with federal statute, particularly as it relates to investments, and would aim to lower the cost of energy by supporting expanded research and development in the private sector. He would seek to lower the cost of workers' compensation and would reintroduce legislation to create a statewide Pine Tree Zone, so that all businesses could take advantage of the program.

Woodcock vows that he would aim to make the state's health insurance market more competitive, would stop taxing health insurance in a quest to make it more affordable, would promote wellness and support people for making smart lifestyle choices, would enact real Medicaid reform, would pay the state's past due Medicaid bills to Maine hospitals and would emphasize public health issues.

He would seek to reform government accountability by having zero-based budgeting, hiring the best managers and holding them accountable, having greater legislative oversight of state government, and respecting the will of the voters above special interests.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 29
Candidates for Maine Senate and House seats were all asked the same questions about the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), economic development in the area, the LNG and racino proposals and school funding. Their answers were obtained either through interviews or in written responses.

Incumbent Republican Kevin Raye of Perry is being challenged for the State Senate District 29 seat by Democratic candidate Tom Finlay of East Machias, independent Dana Kadey of Princeton and independent Nancy Oden of Jonesboro.

Tom Finlay
A retired university professor of biochemistry and cancer researcher, Tom Finlay thinks his years of experience in medical and scientific fields could benefit Downeast Maine. He's also running because the Democrats did not field a candidate two years ago, and he doesn't want "to see that happen again."

Of TABOR, Finlay says, "As it exists now, it would be disastrous for this area, especially for schools and municipalities." The deteriorating infrastructure in the county is "the major obstacle" to new business here, and it's not just roads and bridges, says Finlay. "Inadequate cell phone service and the lack of broadband Internet" are major impediments as well.

Concerning LNG, Finlay says, "It's the cleanest fuel you can use to generate energy -- but the terminal belongs in Saint John. That's where it should be to supply natural gas to southern New England. Passamaquoddy Bay is too valuable a resource to destroy." He suggests that "TKEEGS" would be appropriate for the bay -- explaining the acronym for a "tidal kinetic energy electric generating system" -- and would like to see a consortium formed of county, state and municipal representatives to develop a proposal.

Finlay opposes a racino but would support a casino in Calais as part of a resort complex that would also include a hotel, meeting rooms and the Downeast Heritage Museum. School costs are high, Finlay says, because there are too many small schools and a high ratio of administrators to pupils. He thinks, "K-4 schools of 80-100 kids could feed into a 5-8 middle school, with consolidated high schools of 400-500 students each." Consolidation would allow for a more comprehensive curriculum, he believes. "Kids should have languages, music, art, science, etc."

Finlay thinks it's "too bad some incumbent legislators didn't read the recent changes to the shoreland zoning act before they voted for it. Now, everyone's rushing to judgment," he adds, "but let's wait a few months and see what the DEP [Department of Environmental Protection] says." He is also concerned about the failure of municipal sewage treatment plants that "shut down in heavy rains and the raw sewage goes into the bay."

Dana Kadey
A few weeks ago, Dana Kadey walked 200 miles from Danforth to Steuben with a 28-pound rock on his back. To him, the trek symbolized the plight of the taxpayer struggling with "Maine's onerous highest-in-the-nation tax." He pledges that, if elected, the rock will sit on his desk in Augusta reminding him of his promise to reduce the taxpayer's burden.

TABOR "ties in with the issue [of high taxes]," and he enthusiastically supports Question 1. In his view, that's key to economic development as well. "Reduce the tax burden," he says, "and revenue will increase, we'll all have more money in our pockets, and the people, not government, will be in charge." On the racino issue, Kadey is just as definite: he's against gambling of any kind.

The LNG issue inspires Kadey to recite a parable relating a boy's effort to catch fish with a worm and no hook. The moral of his story -- LNG with Hooks -- involves imposing strict safety and environmental standards on the industry as well as designating a share of the product for county users. That share would be deposited in a "trust account," Kadey explains; if there is no current demand by "industry or residential clusters" in the county, it can be redeemed at some future time.

Kadey says schools will benefit from the increased revenue he predicts from lower taxes. "Now money is spent to build programs and the student goes to where the money is." Kadey wants to change that so "the money follows the student" to the school of his choice. When questioned if his plan might cross the constitutional line if the student chose a religious school, Kadey did not foresee any church-state issue.

"I'm a little mild-mannered guy, but extremely radical," Kadey says as he vigorously condemns what he sees as a weakening in "the moral fiber of the whole country." He wants individuals "to accept responsibility for their actions" and "reject the concept that government should be [sponsoring] social programs." Elected officials, Kadey says, should "inspire and empower" people to take control of their own lives.

Nancy Oden
Nancy Oden says she's running "because of the issues -- if anyone else had been willing to fight against the proposed dump in Township 14 or the monstrous LNG proposals, and for keeping the railroad tracks, I'd be supporting them." She's "nominally" for the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), "because taxes are too high. It's not perfect," she adds, "but it gives citizens more local control."

A longtime advocate for environmental causes, Oden argues that the local economy can benefit through recycling. She envisions a nonprofit "new-from-old" center that would hire people to clean, repair and resell "the huge amounts of clothing that are just thrown away. People could be trained to use industrial sewing machines to create clothing, quilts C any fabric items that are needed." Jobs could also be created, she says, by salvaging and recycling materials from old houses, a practice that also would reduce the amount of debris going into landfills. She supports separating vegetation refuse for composting and resale.

As for LNG, Oden is "completely opposed," describing the proposed terminals as "ludicrous and mind-boggling, just money-making schemes for people who don't live here to impose a destructive entity on a poor area." She scoffs at arguments that LNG terminals would bolster the local economy, as "they bring their own crews and off-load their own cargo." The racino proposal wins Oden's reluctant approval, "as long as it's on tribal land and approved by the surrounding towns." She's for more volunteers in public schools to reduce costs, along with teaching principals and shared administrators.

When asked to list her priority concerns, Oden returns to what she sees as her lonely fight against expanding the "large toxic dump in Township 14." Another enemy she lists is the proposed jetport in Jonesboro, and she is spearheading a community effort against it. She's fighting Department of Transportation attempts to " Tear up 87 miles of railroad track that could be refurbished for transporting people and goods." And she hasn't abandoned her decades-old opposition to the blueberry spraying that produces "herbicide pollution of our clean water," though she feels vindicated that some pesticides are now prohibited.

Kevin Raye
Incumbent Kevin Raye previously served over 17 years as an aide to U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe. He writes that he is running again so that he can continue to advocate for Downeast Maine, enact policies to strengthen job creation and economic development and improve opportunities for Maine people.

Concerning TABOR, he writes, "While it is not a perfect solution, I intend to vote for the Taxpayer Bill of Rights because I believe it is the best hope to end Maine's status as the highest taxed state in the nation. I would prefer if it were focused more squarely on state government, which is the chief culprit in creating Maine's oppressive taxation. I would support legislation to improve the measure, particularly as it relates to municipal government."

To assist with economic development in this area, he proposes reining in the high taxes and over-regulation that stifle job creation; encouraging new and existing businesses; advocating for legislative recommendations of the Washington County Economic Development Task Force; and ensuring that quality education remains available for citizens. With Pleasant Point, Robbinston and Calais on record in support of LNG terminals in their communities, he is open to an LNG terminal being a part of the region's economic and energy future as long as it meets all environmental and safety regulatory requirements. He believes that a Washington County racino would be an important economic boost. "I helped usher it to passage twice in the current legislature, only to have it vetoed by Governor Baldacci both times," he writes. "I am hopeful that the pending certification of petitions will finally help bring the racino to fruition."

Concerning school funding issues, he states, "I will continue to work closely with the Maine Small Schools Coalition to repeal or vastly modify the unfair Essential Programs and Services (EPS) school funding formula and restore equity for rural schools."

He also supports lowering health insurance costs through reforms to encourage competition and will seek passage of his bill to address the shorebird protection rule that imposes "an unreasonable 250-foot setback on many coastal properties."

HOUSE DISTRICT 11
Republican incumbent Everett McLeod Sr. of Lee is facing Democratic candidate Beth Turner of Burlington for the House District 11 seat.

Everett McLeod
Everett McLeod is finishing his first term in the House and is a former first selectman for the Town of Lee, a former chairman of the board for SAD #30, and a former Lee Academy trustee and director. He is running for re-election "to try to make the State of Maine the best state in the lower 48," he writes.

He is in favor of TABOR "because it seems that we do not know how to stop this runaway tax and spend system we now have in place."

He writes that he would favor tidal power and wind power projects in this area. Concerning the LNG proposals, he writes, "We should develop an LNG terminal. If we do not you are going to be looking at one just across the bay. I understand Canada is well along with the permitting process right now." He also favors the Washington County racino proposal.

Concerning school funding problems, he writes, "If we took the allotted dollars for education K-12 and divided it by the total number of students statewide you would have a fair dollar number per student -- the simplest formula without all the gimmickry that we see in the current funding formula. Robin Hood used to steal from the rich and give to the poor, and what we are seeing now is the Department of Education is stealing from the poorer school systems and giving it to the richer school systems. Not on my watch."

He adds, "We have a lot going right here in Maine, but we also have a lot of work ahead of us to get to be the best state in the lower 48. My two biggest issues are to lower taxes and create jobs."

Beth Turner
Beth Turner has served nine years as town clerk and registrar of voters. She has extensive experience with the schools, including SAD #31 and Northern Penobscot Regional Tech. She writes that she is running "to give rural eastern Maine a strong voice. My lifelong residency in rural Maine along with my experience in municipal government and school boards provides me with the necessary skills."

Concerning TABOR, she states, "I strongly agree there must be spending limits on all levels of government. I am very concerned about the effects on the schools. It could reduce state subsidies to local schools below the need and put greater pressure on the local property tax. TABOR will be decided by the people, and I will respect and adhere to that decision."

To assist with economic development in this area, she would seek to reduce the tax burden and have state government tighten its belt. "Stop taxing our Maine residents out of their homes. Offer incentives to support existing businesses and attract new business opportunities. Continue to invest in and improve education, not only academically but also vocational education."

Concerning the LNG proposals, she writes, "Fossil fuels have a finite life expectancy, which is relatively short. Spend equal amounts of effort and resources to develop clean, renewable sources of energy to be located in Washington County. The people of Washington County should have the final decision." She says that the proposed racino could "bring in some very important jobs to Washington County. Washington County should be allowed to vote on this issue to decide it."

As for school funding issues, she says, "Look at the current funding formula again. Essential Programs and Services is designed to put more of the cost of education on the local level in order to keep smaller rural schools open. We need a fair method that will offer quality and affordable education for all students throughout Maine."

HOUSE DISTRICT 30
Incumbent Republican Howard McFadden of Dennysville is being challenged by a former legislator, Democrat Albion Goodwin of Pembroke, for the House District 30 seat.

Albion Goodwin
Albion Goodwin, retired from Georgia Pacific, served in the state legislature from 1996 to 2004. He has served in numerous positions for the town of Pembroke, including as a school board member, selectman and member of the planning board and Pembroke Utility District. He says he is running for office "to give the people in District 30 a strong voice in Augusta."

Concerning the TABOR proposal, he says it is up to the people of Maine when they vote on the referendum.

To help with economic development in this area, he proposes changing the state's attitude on taxing businesses, including factoring in the cost of energy and the general cost of doing business in Maine.

As for the LNG proposals, he writes, "The federal government has announced 50 new LNG facilities will be built in the U.S. FERC [Federal Energy Regulatory Commission] will make decisions on siting. In Washington, in 2005, the House of Representatives voted 400 to 30 to give the process to FERC. All plants will be placed by them. The senate voted the same. The people back home were shut out. The issue has been taken from the states."

Concerning the racino proposal, he notes that new petitions will be submitted and voted on by the legislature in 2007, or the proposal will be put to a vote by the people in November 2007.

On school funding problems, he writes, "The people voted in June 2004 for 55% funding back from the state K-12. Did we get it? No!" He adds, "We need to turn the education department inside out, find a new job title for commissioner or change governors. Fifty-five percent funding for every student in K-12 will eliminate the need for battles such as TABOR. Fund education, cut local property taxes by at least 25%, and all these projects will go away."

Goodwin says he would work for Washington County to have good jobs with good pay and affordable health care for everyone.

Howard McFadden
Incumbent Howard McFadden is a retired school principal finishing his first term as a legislator. He says he is running for office because "I want to save small schools in rural Maine by revamping EPS; help Maine become a more business friendly state; help preserve our Downeast way of life, and also to help with economic development and reduce our highest tax burden in the country."

He says the Taxpayer Bill of Rights "fits the state government spending habits. It could hurt small rural towns as most voters there are already frugal."

Concerning the LNG proposals, he writes, "We need economic development and jobs so that our young people are able to stay here and have decent paying jobs. At the same time we need to protect our environment."

On the racino proposal, he states, "If Bangor can have a racino, Washington County should be allowed to have the same. Our economy could be enhanced by money spent at a racino. Other businesses would be attracted to the area, and a racino would attract more tourists. Tourists would have a place to stop instead of traveling through the area."

To address school funding problems, he suggests that the EPS funding formula needs to be revamped. "The EPS subsidy formula needs to be made public. Not this song and dance 'we are still working on it.' The biggest problem with EPS is the distribution piece, which favors large communities and southern, wealthier parts of the state. EPS is regionalization in disguise."

McFadden says that LD 1981 regarding coastal setbacks to 250 feet needs to be amended. Also, wastewater treatment plants that cause pollution need to be corrected. He sums up by stating, "Less taxing and less spending at the state level."

HOUSE DISTRICT 31
Democratic incumbent Anne Perry of Calais is facing Republican candidate Judith Alexander of Calais for the House District 31 seat.

Judith Alexander
Judith Alexander has extensive background in accounting and taxation, and as a previous mayor of Calais she says she utilized her expertise by keeping down taxes and bringing accountability. She writes, "I can take a strong voice to Augusta for the people of Washington County and a leadership role in lowering taxes, bringing good paying jobs and a better health care system."

She supports TABOR because "it is a wake-up call to government that the tax and spend era is over. If TABOR passes, the legislature will need to act responsibly so that no services are cut to our schools, aid to the elderly or in health care."

Concerning economic development in this area, she writes that 10 or 15 small businesses would have a greater long-term economic impact than one large business. "Business promotes business. A small business could create more jobs in other sectors of the community."

As for the LNG proposals, she says that they are local community issues, especially the proposal for Passamaquoddy land. "I have not seen any credible evidence that they would have an adverse impact. If communities would support such a proposal, so would I."

She writes, "It is time for the promise of a racino/casino to be fulfilled. The racino would bring jobs and ancillary businesses to us here in the poorest county in the nation."

Concerning school funding problems, she says, "I would make sure our children were given the best possible education with the resources available. We need to look at consolidation and collaboration on education issues. Currently there are nine superintendents in Washington County, which cost $750,000 when you add salaries, benefits and staff."

She says, "We need to work on alternative energy methods so we are not so dependent on fuel oil. I believe we can harness hydro power, a natural, renewable source without adversely impacting our environment."

Anne Perry
Anne Perry is a second term legislator, House chair of Insurance and Financial Services, and has served on Health and Human Services and Adhoc Health Care Reform committees. She says she has a strong commitment to the people of this area. "Working as a nurse practitioner I see the need and will strive to find solutions for economic development, education, health and the substance abuse problem."

She is opposed to the TABOR proposal, writing, "We need to reform taxes and control government spending, but TABOR goes too far. Some of the measures in TABOR are in the LD 1 legislation passed last session. Also, TABOR sets up that rural poor counties will remain rural poor counties."

To help with economic development in this area, she says that the work started by the county economic development task force should be continued. She has introduced legislation that a portion of taxes collected in Washington County be given back to the Washington County Development Authority for economic development.

Concerning LNG, she believes that with four proposals for Washington County, it is very likely one will succeed. "We must influence the placement of such a facility, bring funds for town and county economic development, and [ensure] full restoration of the area when the facility leaves."

Perry fully supports the county racino proposal. "It returns the harness racing industry to Washington County and makes Washington County a destination. Both will spur further economic development and jobs."

On school funding issues, she writes, "The funding problems are more than just funding. One of the biggest issues is cost of administration and thus, a struggle to maintain programs. I believe we should look at making administration regional and schools local.

She believes that economic development and jobs are the essential issues for this area. To create an environment for economic development, she would work for three priorities: infrastructure; affordable and sustainable energy; and affordable health care and universal coverage.

HOUSE DISTRICT 32
Republican incumbent Harold Ian Emery of Cutler is being challenged by Democratic candidate Harold Prescott Sr. of Whiting for the House District 32 seat.

Harold Ian Emery
Harold Ian Emery has a master's degree in public administration and is a commercial fisherman and small-business owner. He would like to "continue to fight for the people of Washington County and see our taxes reduced and get affordable health care." Emery sees the need to get affordable health care in a competitive manner and not just pursue a single provider.

Concerning the TABOR initiative, he believes it is in response to years of overspending. "I am discouraged that the state and legislature are not able to control spending. I am not an advocate of TABOR, but I am not against controlling spending. If TABOR is the only solution, then I would support trying to make some changes. I don't want to see anything that would hurt rural Maine."

He states, "I support bills that are pro-business." Small business people tell Emery that one of the biggest constraints to expanding business is the cost of carrying insurance. He sees the need to alleviate the high cost of doing business in Maine.

Emery advocates for more research to be done on adding value to products harvested in Maine. He also sees a need to promote technology development. He believes the Boat School at Eastport could be an important part of developing composite boatbuilding.

Emery, who is a partner in the Calais LNG proposal, says, "I am in support of LNG proposals if a site is located that is acceptable to the communities in the area." He believes if a project gets through the rigorous permitting process, it should be given a fair shot.

He states, "Is the racino proposal the best solution for Washington County -- no." But he doesn't understand why a racino can be approved in one part of the state, in Bangor, but not in another.

Emery would like to see the school funding issue readdressed so that the highly populated areas are not taking money away from places like Washington County. He would like to see fair distribution of school funding so schools in rural areas get a fair share of funding.

Harold Prescott Sr.
Harold Prescott Sr. served three terms as Washington County sheriff and is a building contractor and property developer. He says, "I guess I am mainly running against my opponent because of his voting and attendance record. Emery has one of the worst records ever for representing this district. We need somebody who will be there and who knows what is going on."

Concerning TABOR, he states, "I think it is going to cause us a lot of difficulty in doing our day-to-day business. I don't think there is an easy fix. The answer is send responsible people to Augusta. Taxes are going to go up -- people want services. We have to prioritize and do things within our means. The TABOR bill will get us bigger problems.

When it comes to economic development, Prescott believes it has to come from within. He notes that people have hoped for a long time that something would come to this county. He believes education will offer a solution. "The high schools are changing their way of doing business. The high schools are sending students on to higher education and on to higher technical training."

As for the LNG proposals, Prescott says, "I realize it is a touchy subject. I am not convinced it will provide all the employment that supporters think it will. I honestly don't think at this time that I am in favor of LNG. I need to know more about the jobs. It may cost us the jobs we have now. It may cost us some fishing jobs. The tourist industry may also be affected. There are a lot of unanswered questions.

Concerning the racino issue he believes that is something that should be brought before the people in the area for a vote.

As for school funding, Prescott asks, "Can we provide services in a more economical way? We need to consolidate services. If we can get the cost down, we can afford to keep some of the schools.

HOUSE DISTRICT 33
Democratic candidate Clifford Norton III of Jonesport is running against Republican candidate Joseph Tibbetts of Columbia for the House District 33 seat.

Clifford Norton III
Clifford Norton has 10 years of experience as a school board member and as a tax assessor. He has worked most recently as a bank manager. He says he is running for office because "I really like giving back to my community. Representing my district will allow me to help a lot of people.

He is against the TABOR proposal. "TABOR will only worsen the economics of small towns already hurting from the reduction in educational funding from the state. TABOR will make running of rural towns and counties extremely difficult. If the taxpayers don't trust who they are electing, they need to elect someone they can trust.

He proposes the directing of additional funding into Downeast Maine for telecommunications and roads to assist with economic development. He also proposes increased funding for new business start-ups and existing business expansion, and property tax credits and partial abatements and additional income tax credits for new and expanding businesses.

Concerning the LNG proposals, Norton writes, "I have some environmental concerns but know that LNG would result in more jobs for the area. I'm still out there on how many truly long-term jobs for local people will actually be created and maintained.

He would support the Washington County racino proposal. "It will boost our economy, not only in the operation of the racino, but the additional support facilities -- hotels, restaurants, shops, etc.

As for school funding, he writes, "The EPS funding formula is so heavily weighted on property values and student to teacher ratios that the end result is devastating to our communities. Reduce the weight that these categories have and provide additional funding for schools that are geographically isolated. Smaller classes and traditional schools are far better learning environments. Busing children long distances to save a buck isn't in the best interests of children.

Joseph Tibbetts
Joseph Tibbetts has served 36 years as a law enforcement officer, most recently as Washington County sheriff. He has 18 years of service in Columbia, from serving on the school board to selectman. He and his wife own and operate a small blueberry farm.

He writes that he is "no longer physically capable of functioning as a law enforcement officer. I still want to serve the citizens of Washington County, and I feel I have a good handle on the problems of our county.

Tibbetts is opposed to TABOR. "LD 1 has put the legislature on notice that the public is not happy with state spending. TABOR as proposed will not change the state constitution that controls state spending, but it would strongly affect home rule.

Concerning economic development, he says he would "investigate the transit infrastructure to import and export materials more economically to make this county a more attractable business county. I'm not sure the east/west highway is the answer.

He supports the LNG proposals in the county, stating, "We need the industry and jobs." He also supports the Washington County racino proposal.

As for school funding problems, he writes, "We have to revisit the state school subsidy funding to the small towns. The balance is not right, and it's just another example of the other State of Maine controlling us.

He also states, "There is a way to make health care affordable to every family in Maine without busting the bank. I feel that the State of Maine has to be more business friendly." He believes that there are many small businesses in Washington County that would hire more people if the state would provide some relief on compensation and give other tax breaks. "We just have to think outside the box.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Republican incumbent Michael Povich of Ellsworth is being challenged by independent Steven Juskewitch of Dedham for District Attorney for Hancock and Washington counties. Information from Juskewitch was obtained during a debate, while Povich provided written comments to the newspaper.

Steven Juskewitch
Steven Juskewitch has 17 years of experience prosecuting major felonies, including serving as a deputy district attorney for Washington and Hancock counties. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army and trained junior officers for the last seven years. He is a former member of the board of directors for the Mount Desert Island alcohol and drug abuse group. Juskewitch previously ran against Povich in the 2002 Republican primary and lost, and then ran a write-in campaign in the general election and lost.

He says he is running because "I know how to make the tough decisions. Leadership has got to start at the top. In Cumberland County, we were handling 25,000 cases per year. Here, there are 4,000 per year. My broader experience means more opportunity to understand and solve problems.

On the drug problems faced in the counties, he says that a task force should be formed that can respond quickly to information received about drug activities. "Stop giving deals to drug dealers. I tend to be too light on the first offense and too heavy on the second offense."

Concerning methadone clinics, he says, "If the DA is doing his job, we shouldn't need them."

Juskewitch is undecided about the TABOR proposal but notes that it would not affect prosecutors, who are paid by the state. "It would affect support staff, but I know how to effect efficiencies.

Michael Povich
Michael Povich has served eight terms as district attorney, having been first elected in 1974. He oversees seven assistant district attorneys, with three located in Washington County. He says the major challenge his office faces is finding "a way to prosecute all violations of the law while maintaining sufficient resources to focus on drug cases, domestic violence, violence against women and sexual assaults of children. An equally important challenge is to find alternatives to incarceration because the cost of incarcerating a person in Maine exceeds $32,000 a year.

He says that innovative solutions addressing criminal behavior are being explored and utilized to meet these challenges. "For example, we are leading the state in utilizing forensic interviewing of child victims of sexual abuse. Trained police officers interview all child victims of sexual abuse in a manner and setting which is least stressful to young victims.

In Washington County, the DA's office works with the Adult Drug Treatment Court, which is designed to deal with the increasing number of people addicted to heroin, OxyContin, other drugs and alcohol. With a conviction rate over 90% for crimes involving drugs and sentences as long as eight years for trafficking, he says the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency is "very pleased" with the work that the district attorney's office is doing in prosecuting drug-related offenses. The office, though, has to balance trying to send dealers to prison with trying to help drug addicts through drug court. Drug court gives low-grade offenders a chance while prison sentences of three to four years are held over their heads.

Other solutions to address criminality involve the DA's office's participation in Sexual Assault Response Teams, a team response to violent sexual assault, and Child Assault Response Teams, a team response to child sexual assault. "In continuing to deal with the pervasiveness of drugs in our community, we are formulating a 'carrot and stick' strategy in dealing with those offenders whose addiction is the prime cause of their criminal behavior," he says. "To address these myriad numbers of problems, I have assigned prosecutors to prioritize drug, juvenile, domestic violence and sexual assault cases."