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10/19/2008

Name: Ryan Lorrain

Age: 20
Political Party: Republican

Residence: Waterville

Employment: Student at Thomas College

Education: Junior at Thomas College with major in management, minor in political science
Political experience: Chairman Thomas College Republicans, past vice chairman of Thomas College Republicans, member of Maine College Republicans


Pamela Jabar Trinward

Age: 54

Political Party: Democrat

Residence: Waterville
Employment: Castine Energy Services

Education: University of Maine, political science

Political experience: Serving first term House District 77, fourth term Waterville School Board



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


Lorrain: We need to create a energy plan as a long term solution to a problem that is not just a state issue, but also at the national level. It needs to involve increased investments in cost-effective alternative energy sources, energy diversification, as well as research and development.


Trinward: I will work hard for my constituents to help them access the assistance they need for heating and weatherization needs through various programs.


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


Lorrain: As a state representative, I would work closely with the people I represent, the people who are affected from decisions made at the state level.


Trinward: The biggest issue facing Waterville today is how to conform to the state’s school consolidation plan without increasing taxes. I plan to continue my work with the school board and the local communities to try and accomplish this major goal without shifting cost to the Waterville taxpayers or decreasing the quality of education in the public schools.

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


Lorrain: Improving our business climate by encouraging investment, reducing our tax burden, create opportunity for people to gain knowledge and the skills needed for better job opportunities. Our state is in a competition with other states, and we need to make Maine more business friendly.



Trinward: A strong economy is built on an educated workforce and a regulatory environment that is fair to both employers and employees. Maine government can use the state universities and private business funded by the Maine Development Foundation to connect state-funded research and technology to businesses, invest in the growing industries in Maine, remove roadblocks and encourage business growth.

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


Lorrain: I am fully committed to ending tax increases and lowering taxes. I realize that Mainers can no longer afford to have one of the highest tax burdens in the country year after year. Instead we need to get a handle on out of control spending.


Trinward: Voters should have their chance to speak out on the issue. But it is important to remember that Dirigo has provided insurance for more than 18,000 individuals who were either uninsured or underinsured, saved the health care system more than $100 million in the 3 years since it started and until enrollment was capped due to lack of funding, it was the fastest growing insurance product in the State.


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


Lorrain: Maine needs a tax reduction package. Maine's businesses and families need tax relief and reducing the income and sales tax is just one step that needs to be taken to move in a better direction.


 Trinward: Yes, I supported legislation that cut individual income tax, created a 6 percent flat rate tax down from 8.5 percent, removed exemptions and deductions and repealed the alternative minimum tax.  We can support this tax decrease by broadening the base of the sales tax. This approach would significantly lower the tax burden by Maine people, by creating a fairer tax system that encourages current residents to remain residents and shifts the burden to non-residents.



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


Trinward: Access to quality and affordable health care is the major issue facing the citizens of Maine. Affordable health care is one of the most crucial elements of a strong economy. Health care rates should be reliable, regardless of whether you’re currently healthy or sick. Coverage should be available to everyone.


Lorrain: The energy crisis is the biggest social issue facing us, and we are going to have to look into solving the problem for Maine families in general. We are going to have to look at different ways to approach the problem, making sure we have a plan.

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