Westbrook Charter Commission
Patricia Amico
Lisa Chuluda
Charles Ewing
Drew Gattine
Marc Gousse
Michael Levine
Michael Mullett
George Rodrigues
Susan Rossignol
Eileen Shutts
Senate District #9
Joseph Brannigan (D)
Jeff Martin (R)
House District #125
Michael Lawson (R)
Ann Peoples (D)
House District #126
Bruce Chuluda (R)
Tim Driscoll (D)
To see which candidates will actually be on your ballots on Tuesday, November 2, click here.
- John C.L. Morgan
Related: Tim Driscoll on the Issues (October 30, 2010)
Related: Jeff Martin on the Issues (October 27, 2010)
Related: Ann Peoples on the Issues (October 20, 2010)
Showing posts with label election '10. Show all posts
Showing posts with label election '10. Show all posts
Monday, November 1, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Election '10: Jeff Martin on the Issues
Republican Jeff Martin is running against incumbent Democratic State Senator Joe Brannigan for the District 9 seat in the Maine Senate. Martin, who resides in Portland with his wife, Kirsten, and their two children, owns Foreside Real Estate Management. His political experience includes a stint on the Maine Legislative Action Committee for the Condo Association Institute (CAI). You can see if Martin will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 2 here.
What are your top three legislative priorities for the upcoming session?
Jobs and the economy, fiscal spending, and welfare reform.
How do you plan to implement each of these three goals?
It takes principled leadership to change the culture in any organization. I will stand by my principles that government should work for the people and not the other way around.
Which three state programs do you think should be maintained or expanded?
I think Envision Maine’s report Reinventing Maine Government is a great first step to where legislators should first look to reorganize Maine’s government. It highlighted a billion dollars worth of savings in Maine government.
Which three state programs do you think should be cut or eliminated?
See above.
Cite at least one example in which you cooperated with a member (or members) of another political party.
I successfully worked with former Democratic State Senator Michael Brennan in a stakeholders' group on developing a five-year vision for Portland schools. Our work produced 4 of the 5 adopted vision statements.
What are your thoughts concerning the state budget?
It is fiscally unsustainable. We can't continue to start the year with a $1 billion shortfall and expect that government can work properly. We need adults in Augusta that are not afraid to make the tough decisions so that we can keep the promises--like funding teachers and state pension obligations--that government has made.
What are your thoughts concerning the Clean Elections law in Maine?
This is my second time I have run as a "clean" candidate. Honestly, I think the term "clean" is a little disingenuous of a term as it has only shifted the "dirty" money voters who supported this law to want to reduce or eliminate it. I think "Maine Taxpayer Election Fund" is a much more transparent term.
What is your opponent's greatest strength?
I don’t know if it is his greatest strength, but my opponent has dedicated a lifetime of service to the community. His service is something I respect and admire, and I am honored to be his opponent.
What are your thoughts concerning the state's education (K-12, as well as higher education) policies?
We are close to the top in the nation on spending but our results don’t reflect that investment. Not enough of the money we spend on education is getting to the teachers and the classroom. That needs to be addressed. We also need to make higher education affordable. I support an optional fifth year of high school to give students an option to receive an associates degree or the first two years of a bachelors degree through the public education system.
What are your thoughts concerning same-sex marriage?
As a Senator, I will support same-sex marriage.
Cite at least one example in which you've differed with your political party.
I think the answer above is a good example.
What are your thoughts concerning the state's taxation system?
I think we desperately need tax reform. However, the last package was a jobs killer and was rightly defeated by Maine voters. The reality is that when an investor decides what states to invest in a couple percentage points in taxes can make or break the deal. And that results in lost jobs and lower overall tax revenue. I believe that we need fair reform that reduces the burden on the middle and lower class and stimulates investment in jobs.
What are your thoughts concerning term limits for legislators?
I have mixed feelings on this. While term limits didn't push any of the long-time fixtures in the hallways of Augusta toward retirement, I do believe that service in the legislature should be treated as a short-term public service and not a career.
What is your opponent's greatest shortcoming?
I think my opponent can best answer that question.
What are your thoughts concerning the state's transportation policies?
Transportation issues are part of the jobs and economy equation as we need a solid, reliable transportation infrastructure to get our goods to market quickly and cheaply. Transportation projects that show the highest potential to grow and support a local economy will get my support first.
What are your thoughts concerning the state's public assistance programs?
I think everyone agrees that a strong safety net is needed to help those that have fallen on difficult economic times. However, temporary public assistance should not turn into a long-term way of life. The current system undermines hard work and traps families in poverty. I support reforming the system to place emphasis on supporting a path to self-reliance and away from dependency.
- John C.L. Morgan
Related: Ann Peoples on the Issues (October 20, 2010)
What are your top three legislative priorities for the upcoming session?
Jobs and the economy, fiscal spending, and welfare reform.
How do you plan to implement each of these three goals?
It takes principled leadership to change the culture in any organization. I will stand by my principles that government should work for the people and not the other way around.
Which three state programs do you think should be maintained or expanded?
I think Envision Maine’s report Reinventing Maine Government is a great first step to where legislators should first look to reorganize Maine’s government. It highlighted a billion dollars worth of savings in Maine government.
Which three state programs do you think should be cut or eliminated?
See above.
Cite at least one example in which you cooperated with a member (or members) of another political party.
I successfully worked with former Democratic State Senator Michael Brennan in a stakeholders' group on developing a five-year vision for Portland schools. Our work produced 4 of the 5 adopted vision statements.
What are your thoughts concerning the state budget?
It is fiscally unsustainable. We can't continue to start the year with a $1 billion shortfall and expect that government can work properly. We need adults in Augusta that are not afraid to make the tough decisions so that we can keep the promises--like funding teachers and state pension obligations--that government has made.
What are your thoughts concerning the Clean Elections law in Maine?
This is my second time I have run as a "clean" candidate. Honestly, I think the term "clean" is a little disingenuous of a term as it has only shifted the "dirty" money voters who supported this law to want to reduce or eliminate it. I think "Maine Taxpayer Election Fund" is a much more transparent term.
What is your opponent's greatest strength?
I don’t know if it is his greatest strength, but my opponent has dedicated a lifetime of service to the community. His service is something I respect and admire, and I am honored to be his opponent.
What are your thoughts concerning the state's education (K-12, as well as higher education) policies?
We are close to the top in the nation on spending but our results don’t reflect that investment. Not enough of the money we spend on education is getting to the teachers and the classroom. That needs to be addressed. We also need to make higher education affordable. I support an optional fifth year of high school to give students an option to receive an associates degree or the first two years of a bachelors degree through the public education system.
What are your thoughts concerning same-sex marriage?
As a Senator, I will support same-sex marriage.
Cite at least one example in which you've differed with your political party.
I think the answer above is a good example.
What are your thoughts concerning the state's taxation system?
I think we desperately need tax reform. However, the last package was a jobs killer and was rightly defeated by Maine voters. The reality is that when an investor decides what states to invest in a couple percentage points in taxes can make or break the deal. And that results in lost jobs and lower overall tax revenue. I believe that we need fair reform that reduces the burden on the middle and lower class and stimulates investment in jobs.
What are your thoughts concerning term limits for legislators?
I have mixed feelings on this. While term limits didn't push any of the long-time fixtures in the hallways of Augusta toward retirement, I do believe that service in the legislature should be treated as a short-term public service and not a career.
What is your opponent's greatest shortcoming?
I think my opponent can best answer that question.
What are your thoughts concerning the state's transportation policies?
Transportation issues are part of the jobs and economy equation as we need a solid, reliable transportation infrastructure to get our goods to market quickly and cheaply. Transportation projects that show the highest potential to grow and support a local economy will get my support first.
What are your thoughts concerning the state's public assistance programs?
I think everyone agrees that a strong safety net is needed to help those that have fallen on difficult economic times. However, temporary public assistance should not turn into a long-term way of life. The current system undermines hard work and traps families in poverty. I support reforming the system to place emphasis on supporting a path to self-reliance and away from dependency.
- John C.L. Morgan
Related: Ann Peoples on the Issues (October 20, 2010)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Election '10: Ann Peoples on the Issues
Democrat Ann Peoples is running as the incumbent against the Republican nominee Michael Lawson for the District 125 seat in the Maine House of Representatives. Peoples responds to a batch of policy questions below:
What are your top three legislative priorities for the upcoming session?
Transportation infrastructure, green jobs that can't be off-shored, and a more rationalized way of providing services to our most vulnerable citizens.
How do you plan to implement each of these three goals?
Continue to work on the Transportation Committee to implement a number of projects that allow us to do more with less (increasing the gas tax is not on the top of my agenda). To support the University of Maine in creating new technologies that give us a practical way to build and implement wind and tidal projects. To support training folks to do the "energy efficiency" jobs that we all know home owners need. And encourage the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to look for economies of scale so that the smaller providers can manage and bill through a larger provider in the area. This will save some serious overhead.
Which three state programs do you think should be maintained or expanded?
This question, and the following one, are just too global to answer in the time available. I am not a true believer who wants to take an axe to anything. We need to have a way to evaluate the the success of all our programs.
Which three state programs do you think should be cut or eliminated?
See above.
Cite at least one example in which you cooperated with a member (or members) of another political party.
We have had, over the last four years, a very bi-partisan House. My filter is 1) My conscience, 2) My constituency, and 3) My caucus. Frankly, we have had few issues that came down to a clearly partisan vote.
What are your thoughts concerning the state budget?
We will make it work. I have no idea how, but I know we always get there.
What are your thoughts concerning the Clean Elections law in Maine?
Best thing since sliced bread--that sure shows my age! Anybody still remember when most bread came unsliced?
What is your opponent's (Michael Lawson) greatest strength?
He sure looks like a healthy guy.
What are your thoughts concerning the state's education (K-12, as well as higher education) policies?
This is a work in progress. I actually went to school on Essential Programs and Services (EPS) and I'm still confused. I will continue to encourage the State to live up to the 55% promise.
What are your thoughts concerning same-sex marriage?
Give me one good reason LBGT shouldn't be just as invested as the rest of us. Partnerships are a fact on the ground, makes no sense to me that we don't rationalize that!
Cite at least one example in which you've differed with your political party.
The Sportsman's Alliance of Maine endorsed me. Enough said.
What are your thoughts concerning the state's taxation system?
See my voting record. I try and I try to tell folks that we have a problem, and I just don't get anywhere. Sigh.
What are your thoughts concerning term limits for legislators?
Term limits are counterproductive. The two-year election cycle is term limits. John Martin was the poster boy for that thing, and I ask you, who is still there?
What is your opponent's (Michael Lawson) greatest shortcoming?
I have no idea how tall he is.
What are your thoughts concerning the state's transportation policies?
Got to love the trains!
What are your thoughts concerning the state's public assistance programs?
See earlier comment.
What are your top three legislative priorities for the upcoming session?
Transportation infrastructure, green jobs that can't be off-shored, and a more rationalized way of providing services to our most vulnerable citizens.
How do you plan to implement each of these three goals?
Continue to work on the Transportation Committee to implement a number of projects that allow us to do more with less (increasing the gas tax is not on the top of my agenda). To support the University of Maine in creating new technologies that give us a practical way to build and implement wind and tidal projects. To support training folks to do the "energy efficiency" jobs that we all know home owners need. And encourage the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to look for economies of scale so that the smaller providers can manage and bill through a larger provider in the area. This will save some serious overhead.
Which three state programs do you think should be maintained or expanded?
This question, and the following one, are just too global to answer in the time available. I am not a true believer who wants to take an axe to anything. We need to have a way to evaluate the the success of all our programs.
Which three state programs do you think should be cut or eliminated?
See above.
Cite at least one example in which you cooperated with a member (or members) of another political party.
We have had, over the last four years, a very bi-partisan House. My filter is 1) My conscience, 2) My constituency, and 3) My caucus. Frankly, we have had few issues that came down to a clearly partisan vote.
What are your thoughts concerning the state budget?
We will make it work. I have no idea how, but I know we always get there.
What are your thoughts concerning the Clean Elections law in Maine?
Best thing since sliced bread--that sure shows my age! Anybody still remember when most bread came unsliced?
What is your opponent's (Michael Lawson) greatest strength?
He sure looks like a healthy guy.
What are your thoughts concerning the state's education (K-12, as well as higher education) policies?
This is a work in progress. I actually went to school on Essential Programs and Services (EPS) and I'm still confused. I will continue to encourage the State to live up to the 55% promise.
What are your thoughts concerning same-sex marriage?
Give me one good reason LBGT shouldn't be just as invested as the rest of us. Partnerships are a fact on the ground, makes no sense to me that we don't rationalize that!
Cite at least one example in which you've differed with your political party.
The Sportsman's Alliance of Maine endorsed me. Enough said.
What are your thoughts concerning the state's taxation system?
See my voting record. I try and I try to tell folks that we have a problem, and I just don't get anywhere. Sigh.
What are your thoughts concerning term limits for legislators?
Term limits are counterproductive. The two-year election cycle is term limits. John Martin was the poster boy for that thing, and I ask you, who is still there?
What is your opponent's (Michael Lawson) greatest shortcoming?
I have no idea how tall he is.
What are your thoughts concerning the state's transportation policies?
Got to love the trains!
What are your thoughts concerning the state's public assistance programs?
See earlier comment.
You can see if Peoples is on your ballot on Tuesday, November 2 by clicking here.
- John C.L. Morgan
Related: Election '08: Introducing Ann Peoples (September 15, 2008)
Related: Election '08: Ann Peoples's Proust Questionnaire (September 22, 2008)
Related: Election '08: Ann Peoples's Favorite Things (September 29, 2008)
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
2010 Gubernatorial Candidates--So Far
The current tally is twenty-two.
Democratic Party
Donna Dion
Pat McGowan
Libby Mitchell
John Richardson
Steven Rowe
Rosa Scarcelli
Green Independent Party
Patrick Quinlan
Lynne Williams
Independents
Samme Bailey
Beverly Cooper-Pete
Eliot Cutler
Augustus Edgarton
Alex Hammer
John Whitcomb
Republican Party
Steve Abbott
William Beardsley
Matt Jacobson
Paul LePage
Peter Mills
Les Otten
Bruce Poliquin
Martin Vachon
- John C.L. Morgan
Democratic Party
Donna Dion
Pat McGowan
Libby Mitchell
John Richardson
Steven Rowe
Rosa Scarcelli
Green Independent Party
Patrick Quinlan
Lynne Williams
Independents
Samme Bailey
Beverly Cooper-Pete
Eliot Cutler
Augustus Edgarton
Alex Hammer
John Whitcomb
Republican Party
Steve Abbott
William Beardsley
Matt Jacobson
Paul LePage
Peter Mills
Les Otten
Bruce Poliquin
Martin Vachon
- John C.L. Morgan
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