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10/20/2008

Name: Donna W. Finley

Age: 69

Political Party: Republican

Residence: 190 Waterville Road, Skowhegan

Employment: Retired Social Worker;  Part-time Marketing Consultant for Cedar Ridge Rehabilitation in Skowhegan

Education: Westbrook Junior College, now University of New England

Political experience: Incumbent State Representative for District 85, Skowhegan

Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services

Special Appointments by Leadership: Priorities for Young Children Commission, Primary Care Physicians Commission, Oral Health, Substance Abuse and Poverty Task Force.


Name: Jeffrey McCabe

Age: 31

Political Party: Democrat

Residence: Olive St., Skowhegan

Employment: Executive Director Lake George Corp.

Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Education,

Political experience: Skowhegan Planning Board and Budget Committee, Skowhegan Conservation Commission and board member of several nonprofit organizations.


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

 
Finley: I can help find resources to fund the fuel assistance program and other energy saving services provided by Community Action Agencies.  I can work with the state and other organizations to set up emergency shelters, and encourage people to ask for help if they are in danger of hypothermia.  Get the word out about the United Way dial 211 for resources that can help, and encourage people to help each other.  I would also encourage a safe wood installation inspection by local fire departments.  I am very concerned about unsafe methods of keeping warm.


 McCabe: Educate people on conservation measures, and provide places for people to go during the day to help them conserve fuel (community centers and libraries who could provide transportation if needed.) Begin strengthening the concept of neighbors helping neighbors. In our town, churches and civic organizations need to pool resources to help our neighbors and friends. In the near future we need to make new heating systems and alternative fuels available to more people. We need to look at making energy audits part of the first-time home buyer programs and address our aging housing stock.


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


 Finley: I serve the town of Skowhegan, which has a 6.8 % of unemployment, reported in August.  We need more good paying jobs in Skowhegan to ensure that needed services are provided.  We are fortunate to have New Balance and Sappi here to provide employment, but Somerset County is the second poorest county in the state.   I will continue to work with others in town to continue bringing new business into the community.   The new jail has increased our local tax burden, yet people have not received raises to keep up with the cost of living.


McCabe: After talking with several town officials we seem to be facing a shrinking tax base and growing expenses. There is a shift towards towns to shoulder more and more.  To combat this, we need to look at regional efforts, including regional services, regional purchasing, and regional collaboration.


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


 Finley: I believe we could better market the state as a beautiful and safe place to live. We need to enhance our broad band infrastructure, so people wanting to relocate here have full access.  Maine can also become more energy efficient and provide jobs as we develop wind, solar and tidal power.  We need to offer more training for skilled jobs for companies like Cianbro, boat builders and masons, to name a few.  I am told that we do not have a ready work force, which Maine used to be noted for.   We have to instill the old Maine work ethic and we can only do that by increasing good employment in our state, so that those who can work will have an opportunity to do so.


McCabe: We need to put a focus on job training. We need to expand individuals skill sets to be ready for future job opportunities. Job training for trades, green collar jobs and expand training for service jobs. We need to grow our community colleges and trade school opportunities.



4. What do you think of the beverage tax?


Finley: I did not vote for the beverage tax and I think the signatures for the referendum show that many are not in favor of raising the tax. 


McCabe: I think the beverage tax may be repealed in November and then we are going to be stuck trying to fund Dirigo another way. I understand people feel over taxed and I understand Dirigo is not perfect, but Dirigo is working for many people in this state and it is a start. I know people in Skowhegan who use Dirigo and it is working for them.


5. Would you support legislation to lower the income tax?


  Finley: I would definitely vote to lower the income tax, which is very difficult for residents to pay. I know many people of means establish their residence in other states where they live six  months and a day, and return to Maine for the summer.   More people might keep their residence here if our tax structure were different.  Maine is not business friendly and I would consider tax incentives to compete with other states for new business location.


McCabe: I believe that we need to reform  income tax and feel that it could have and should have been reformed last legislative session. I support broadening sales tax and even raising the meals and lodging tax. I also think that we should even look to not taxing certain items such as clothing, for example.

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

  Finley: The high cost of energy, which is compounded in a state that has a harsh winter and one where people have to travel many miles to work.  When families cannot make ends meet we often see more substance abuse and mental health issues, which also creates more domestic violence.  We have to continue to strive for a revitalized economy so people can provide for themselves.  When people can be self-sufficient their overall health and quality of life is better, and they do not have to depend on programs for their survival.


McCabe: Access to health insurance is going to be even more of an issue in the coming month and years. The cost of health insurance is becoming a major burden to many Central Maine Families including my own. With the cost food, fuel and other necessities many families will no longer be able to afford basic health insurance coverage.

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