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Staff reports 10/06/2008

Belfast, Belmont, Brooks, Burnham, Frankfort, Freedom, Islesboro, Jackson, Knox, Liberty, Lincolnville, Monroe, Montville, Morrill, Northport, Palermo, Prospect, Searsmont, Searsport, Stockton Springs, Swanville, Thorndike, Troy, Unity, Waldo and Winterport.


Name: Diane H. Messer
Age: 55
Political Party: Democratic
Residence: Liberty
Employment: Environmental planner focusing on renewable energy policy
Education: B.A., environmental studies, Temple University; graduate studies, environmental planning and management, California State
Political experience: In North Virginia, solid waste advisory council, comprehensive planning committee, various other county and regional planning councils with focus on environmental quality.

Name: Carol Weston
Age: 59
Political Party: Republican
Residence: Montville
Employment: State senator, former substitute teacher
Education: High school diploma; five semesters as an education major at Bob Jones University
Political experience: Two terms as a representative and three terms as state senator


1. What can you, as a state legislator, do to help people struggling this year with the high cost of gas and oil?

Messer: “It would be difficult to have a significant impact while still in this calendar year. However, for the immediate future, I would first put a more comprehensive effort into programs that would effectively weatherize a significant number of Maine homes that are most in need. This is essential before a limited amount of oil is provided to very leaky homes that lose so much of the heating value to the outdoors. Heating dollars would go much further in a well weatherized home.”
Weston: “We can offer tax credits to homeowners and small businesses who take action to weatherize their homes and businesses, creating real energy savings. I support exploring natural sources of alternative energy from wind, wood and water to find affordable ways to reduce our dependence on oil.”

2. How would you handle the biggest issues facing the towns in your district?

Messer: “I consider the individual residents who reside in towns of my district. In going door to door visiting voters they have become far more than town statistics, but are human beings with very specific problems and issues. I have reached out to these residents, asking them to let me know what matters most to them.”
Weston: “Waldo County’s local economy continues to struggle because of high state taxes and red tape preventing access to affordable health care. Fundamental changes in our government’s policies to tackle these challenges will lead to new jobs and opportunities that will strengthen Waldo County, as well as the entire state of Maine.”

3. Do you have any plans that would result in more jobs for Maine?

Weston: “A high tax burden, rising energy costs and unreasonable regulations are chasing businesses out of Maine. We must reduce the burden of doing business in Maine to create new jobs. I will work with members of both parties to create responsible policies that will grow our economy and give Mainers new opportunities to earn a living and raise a family.”
Messer: “Major efforts should be made to attract green industry and businesses to Maine, from light industry, to designing firms, to installing companies, and those that maintain and repair renewable systems, as well as a variety of other applications. This will rapidly expand good job opportunities, keep talented employees in Maine, and grow the economy. Another tremendous benefit would be a cleaner environment, with reduced dependence on fossil fuels.”

4. What do you think of the beverage-tax repeal on the November ballot?

Weston: “By one vote, politicians in the Legislature raised our tax burden on health care and taxes by $70 million. Folks on Main Street know that higher taxes are preventing us from getting ahead and saving for the future. I support the peoples’ right to overturn this irresponsible, damaging new tax.”
Messer: “I feel it's a big mistake.The repeal would prevent revenues that should go to help fund health care for low-income residents, which is vitally needed. Those who are trying to have this bill repealed are waging a mean-spirited campaign of misinformation.”

5. Would you support legislation to change the income tax or sales tax?

Messer: “I believe there is much room for improvement to our income tax and sales tax plans.”
Weston: “Maine is one of the highest taxed states in the nation. To get our state back on track, we need to reduce the oppressive taxes politicians continue to raise. I will continue to oppose new taxes and tax increases on our hard-earned wages, on the goods and services
we rely upon.”

6. What’s the biggest social issue facing the state in the next two years?

Weston: “Whether you seek student-focused education reforms, better care for our elderly and vulnerable neighbors or a cleaner environment, a strong economy will be the backbone of progress. With lower taxes and a strong economy, more Mainers will be empowered to achieve personal results in these important areas.”
Messer: “The biggest issue that's looming right now — and hopefully it will be resolved in less than two years — is the challenge of how some residents are going to survive in tough economic times, particularly through the winter. With soaring prices and an economy that’s out of control, many people are being forced to make choices that no human being should have to: whether they put oil in the tank to keep warm, food on the table for themselves and their family, save money aside for essential healthcare, or gas in the car to get to work and/or school.”

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