HOUSE DISTRICT 76

Oakland, Waterville

NAME: Henry Murphy Beck

AGE: 22

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

RESIDENCE: 3 Oakdale, Waterville

EMPLOYMENT: City Councilor, student

EDUCATION: Waterville High School Class of 2005; Colby College, Class of 2009, expected bachelor's degree in government

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: City Councilor, 2006-present.

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

For this coming winter, I can continue to provide information on LIHEAP and charitable assistance. We must see more coordination and public information about plans at the local level for emergency shelters and neighbor-to-neighbor check-in programs. I expect we will. In the long term, we must see developments of alternative heating sources for residents.

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

As a Waterville city councilor, I have always been accessible and eager to work with all sides. As a state representative I will maintain that record and make a vigorous effort to develop a working relationship with Oakland and work on issues important to both communities.

As a Waterville city councilor, I have always been accessible and eager to work with all sides. As a state representative I will maintain that record and make a vigorous effort to develop a working relationship with Oakland and work on issues important to both communities.

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

There are incentives for the use of alternative energy like solar and wind. But most people cannot afford the high cost of installation for these new technologies. Let's follow the lead of other states and create energy rebates for start up companies that can make installation affordable and create jobs.

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

Repealing the few cent tax on soda and beer will not bring us to the broad based tax reform Mainers deserve. Voters should know I will respect their voice on this ballot question and that I understand we need broad based reform of taxes and health insurance in the Legislature.

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

Yes I would. We need to be at a point where we reduce Maine's income tax, and look at other more sustainable sources of revenue that do not so directly affect regular paychecks. When it comes to taxes and spending there will be very tough, even painful choices. Voters should know I will make those choices and do the right thing for the community where I grew up and matters so much to me.

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