Bookmark & share:

E-mail this page E-mail a letter to the editor Reader Comments (below)

Staff reports 10/02/2008

Senate District 26 includes Somerset County -- Anson, Athens, Bingham, Brighton Plantation, Canaan, Caratunk, Lexington Twp., Concord Twp., Cornville, Dennistown Plantation, Embden, Fairfield, Highland Plantation, Jackman, Madison, Moose River, Moscow, New Portland, Norridgewock, Northeast Somerset Twp. (includes Soldiertown Twp., Thorndike Twp., Brassua Twp., Tomhegan, Rockwood Strip, Taunton & Raynham, Long Pond Twp., p/o Parlin Pond Twp., Misery Twp., Sapling Twp., Chase Stream Twp., Indian Stream Twp., Moxie Gore, Squaretown Twp., East Moxie Twp., Bald Mountain Twp., Mayfield Twp., p/o Twp. 2 R-6, Forsyth Twp., Holeb Twp., Attean Twp., Bradstreet Twp., Appleton Twp., Hobbstown Twp., Lower Enchanted Twp., Bowtown Twp., Flagstaff Twp., Bigelow Twp., Dead River Twp., Carrying Place, King & Bartlett Twp., Upper Enchanted Twp., p/o Parlin Pond Twp., p/o Twp. 2 R-6, Pleasant Ridge Plantation, Big W Twp., Little W Twp., West Middlesex Canal Grant, Seboomook Twp., Plymouth Twp., Pittston Academy Grant, Alder Brook Twp., Sandy Bay Twp., Bald Mountain Twp., Hammond Twp., Blake Gore, Prentiss Twp., Dole Brook Twp., Comstock Twp., Russell Pond Twp., St. John Twp., Big 6 Twp., Big 10 Twp., T4 R16 - a/k/a Elm Stream Twp., Skowhegan, Solon, Starks, The Forks Plantation, West Forks Plantation.

Name: Peter Mills
Age: 65
Political Party: Republican
Residence: Cornville
Employment: Attorney
Education: Harvard College; University of Maine School of Law.
Political experience: Eight years in Senate; two years in House; four years in Senate.


Name: Robert Sezak
Age: 56
Political Party: Democrat
Residence: Fairfield
Employment: Owner of RE-BOOKS, a Waterville used-book store.
Education: BS Public Administration, University of Maine
Political experience: Six years, third Selectman town of Troy 1983- 1989. Served on Waldo County Budget Committee and on Maine Municipal Association’s Legislative Policy Committee. Past President and treasurer of the Maine Antiquarian Bookseller Association; five years Fairfield Trustee to the Kennebec Water District, currently serving as vice president; Fairfield Budget Committee member past two years.


1. What can you, as a state legislator, do to help people struggling this year with the high cost of gas and oil?
Mills: “The primary assistance is coming by way of LIHEAP through the CAP agencies and general assistance administered by towns. Both of these are receiving supplemental support from the state to get through the coming winter and may need more in the early weeks of the January session. The key is to put more resources into winterization, into more efficient heating systems, and into heat sources that use local fuels in lieu of imported hydro-carbons. We must also encourage people to buy more efficient motor vehicles. Shifts in tax policy are one way to encourage such changes in behavior, for example by reducing excise or sales taxes on fuel efficient vehicles or heating systems.”
Sezak: “It will be the people of Maine, you and me, be it a returnable can, a wheelbarrow of wood, a few gallons of oil, a blanket or a simple prayer delivered to those in need. As a state legislator I would have the state purchase enough oil to create a strategic reserve and remove the business sales tax on the first X gallons of heating oil. I would allow more people to be eligible for LIHEAP.”


2. How would you handle the biggest issues facing the towns in your district?
Mills: “The biggest issue facing towns is the growing cost of uncoordinated services. The state should create incentives for towns to share public safety, public works and fire-protection services. The MMA referendum passed in June of 2004 contained such incentives but they have not been implemented.”
Sezak: “Weight limits on roads might be reduced in order to lower maintenance expenses and ensure longevity. The state must live up to its promise to fully fund education.”

3. Do you have any plans that would result in more jobs for Maine?
Mills: “The most significant recent bill on this topic is one that I wrote last year to create a “Fund of Funds” venture-capital system for Maine. At least a dozen states have such programs. The bill was unanimously supported by the Legislature but vetoed by the Governor. He may reconsider it next session.”
Sezak: “The development of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro powers can be a great provider of jobs in research and development, transportation, sales and installation of equipment. Would make development of renewable energy one of highest priorities.”

4. What do you think of the beverage-tax repeal on the November ballot?
Mills: “We should not continue to spend public tax dollars to support Dirigo health insurance until the product itself has been altered to provide preventive benefits to a broader cross-section of needy people. The current program helps only a small number of people who may or may not be in need and yet it costs an exorbitant amount of money.”
Sezak: “These beverages being taxed are a part of the existing health problem, which is driving up the cost of health care. The income received from this tax will help pay for that health care. The beverage tax is a tax on non-necessary items, making it a volunteer tax since one doesn’t have to buy soda or alcoholic beverages. It will reduce health costs for everyone. I urge people to vote NO on this referendum for the sake of good quality health care.”

5. Would you support legislation to change the income tax or sales tax?
Mills: “Economists have recommended for years that we should reduce the Maine income tax. If broadening the base of the sales tax is necessary to pay for an income tax cut, then that should be done. Maine’s sales tax base is narrow when compared to other states.”
Sezak: “Yes. The sales tax is a regressive tax. I would look at ways to restructure the sales tax to make it progressive. I would eliminate the sales tax on children’s clothes. I would step- increase the sales tax on luxury purchases. I am in favor of realigning the income tax leaving the low rate where it is, adjusting the middle rate at different levels and leave the high rate where it is . This would essentially be an income tax decrease.”

6. What’s the biggest social issue facing the state in the next two years?
Mills: “Maine’s taxes are high; our incomes low; health care costly; and the weather cold. Our children are moving away for work. Those who stay face huge, unfunded costs for state pension and retiree health benefits and for replacement of decaying roads, bridges and public buildings. Maine is spending more than it can afford and often fails to get good value for what it spends.”
Sezak: “Poverty.”

Bookmark and share this story: