Madison, Norridgewock and Solon

Name: Philip A. Curtis

Age: 66

Political Party: Republican

Residence: Blackwell Hill Road, Madison

Employment: Self Employed; Maine local road consultant

Education: Graduate of Madison Memorial High School

Political experience: State representative: Utility and Energy Committee, Four years; State & Local Government Committee two year; Madison Board of Selectmen: Seven years, chairman for six years; Board of Directors: Madison Electric, five years; road commissioner, seven years

Name: Kathleen V. Ouilette (Katie)

Age: 78

Political Party: Democrat

Residence: East Madison

Employment: Retired; volunteer co-producer of "Keeping Pace" - Madison CATV; Published author: "Two Birds In a Box"; columnist.

Education: Skowhegan High School 1948 - Magna Cum Laude; Colby Sawyer College, New London, N.H. - Dean's List, associate's degree - Medical Secretarial Science / minor in music/voice certification courses; activities director , geriatrics

Political Experience: SAD 59 Board of Directors, two terms; former chairperson - Somerset County Republican Party (later switched parties).

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

CURTIS: Encourage the citizens to take advantage of every means to make their homes and autos more efficient. There's no way for the State to lower the price of gas or heating oil (other than reducing the gas tax) but the state does provide many programs for the citizens to become as efficient as possible.

CURTIS: Encourage the citizens to take advantage of every means to make their homes and autos more efficient. There's no way for the State to lower the price of gas or heating oil (other than reducing the gas tax) but the state does provide many programs for the citizens to become as efficient as possible.

OUILETTE: We have heard of various solutions from multiple sources for months and all are legitimate and worthwhile. No one has mentioned 'bundling up' and dressing for the elements 'in the house'. As I talk with voters on my campaign-trail, the general attitude seems to be: 'be willing to adjust in living habits for an immediate solution'. What can I do, personally, in Augusta? Urge changes in regulations that are 'bumps in the road', even if those changes are temporary to get us over the hurdlesÉand stay in contact with voters for their thoughts.

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

CURTIS: As I see it, the biggest issue in my district is: we live in one of the poorest counties in the state and we all live in one of the highest-in-the-nation, tax-burden states. We must get our tax burden down to the national average or below if we, as a state, are going improve the business climate and attract more and better jobs. We must also get a handle on our energy costs.

OUILETTE: I have told voters, during our conversations, that those representing them in Augusta are not 'mind readers'É and the 'issues' must be brought to every representative's / senator's attention. Maybe I am na•ve, but all too seldom do elected state officials attend municipal meetings to hear the people's voices. Communication is powerful. Complaints are of no value if not heardÉ.like 'if there is no one in the forest, will the tree's falling be heard'? I pledge, also, to have 'local gatherings' and listen to voters solutions, as well as concerns.

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

CURTIS: Lower the highest-in-the-nation tax burden and the highest in New England energy costs.

OUILETTE: Everyone who knows (my husband) Lew and I realize that we have shared the "humbling experience" of having 'jobs' pulled out from under 'our planned security'. I firmly believe that we must 'redefine ourselves'. I believe that there are many voters who 'had a job', but never gave thought to their 'real talents', which could be very productive and produce new horizons of endeavor. Yes, my plans are for defining what we are and where we areÉ..and creatively come up with a survival strategyÉtogether. Bipartisan effortÉlocal and state.

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

CURTIS: We need to vote yes on Question 1. This was one of those bills that was passed down party lines (no Republicans voted for this bill) in the last hours of the 123rd Legislature without the proper time to allow for the hearings and airing of all the pros and cons. It must be vetoed by we the people.

OUILETTE: You betÉrepeal it! I'm jumping off a ledge here, but I feel there are other ways of 'finding needed funds' for 'what ails us'! I have already pledged, for instance, to decline the 'paid Medical Insurance given to Legislators'. Why should you, the taxpayer who cannot afford medical insurance, pay for me, when we've managed to pay that nearly $500 /month from our Social Security? And, Legislators should not get 'retirement' benefits for their longevity in office. Now, those dollars could be providing your family with medical insurance.

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

CURTIS: Only as long as it lowers the income or sales tax. It cannot be just a "tax shift".

OUILETTE: Yes, provided the legislation would accomplish serving the needs of voters. If we truly want 'jobs' (I prefer the word 'employment') in central Maine, we must make the area business/industry friendly and the tax codes (with an 's') are the place to start. All too little accountability in our tax codes help some exercise loopholes and pay little, leaving the burden on 'others'. We must eliminate fraud that is prevalent in our workmen's comp system, as well. Again, we are aware of the problemsÉ..we must find and implement solutions.

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

CURTIS: A larger state-spending plan than the people can afford. We must get our priorities in order, the state government cannot be all things to all it's people.

OUILETTE: My constituents, including local law enforcement officials, tell me that illegal drugs are ruining neighborhoods, creating crime concerns that are nearly impossible to controlÉ.and ruining lives and entire families. It is time to solve the problem. My grandson is now 30 years old and, those who know him recognize his use, including rehab, until he had to decide on his own that 'there was a better way of life'. It is time we realize that people must want to stop drug use that has led to deadly addictionÉ.and go to the sourceÉthe 'pushers'.