News

Debate in Print
Candidate Q&A

There are ten people running for state seats in Gray and New Gloucester. The Monument issued an invitation to all ten to answer a short survey that asked three local questions, for this week's paper, and we also offered space to publish a position piece next week. We call it a debate in print, and we thank all those who chose to participate.


Maine Senate, 15th District,
Sen. Neria Douglass and Lois Snowe-Mello

Rep. Lois Snowe-Mello (R-Poland) and Sen. Neria Douglass (D-Auburn) answers are below. Snowe-Mello had served 4 consecutive terms in the House, she is now running for Senate against incumbent Senator Neria Douglass in the Maine Senate 15th district, comprised of Auburn, Poland, New Gloucester and Durham.

What is your position on the Tax Cap referendum?

Douglass: I understand the burden the local property tax places on homeowners, especially those living on fixed incomes. I ran for the Senate in 1998 to stop state mandates; to bring more state money home for education; and to use the homestead exemption for property tax relief.

These measures benefit regular residents who depend on local services full-time and non-residents part-time. Out of state homeowners with the most expensive homes on the water get the biggest break from the Tax Cap. But, if it passes, residents will have to get by without services most of us now expect as part of our standard of living. That is why I will not vote for the Tax Cap.

However, I have already proposed a senior resident tax-break fund.
Residents living on fixed and limited incomes could borrow their taxes from the fund until they pass on or move to a nursing home. The fund would be repaid on sale of their home when they can no longer live there.

This is a reverse mortgage concept. This concept allows senior residents the full use of their incomes for living. In addition, I have helped to lower senior's living expenses through the Maine Rx Plus program. I have also proposed a constitutional amendment to allow lower taxes on older residents. If elected, I will work hard to persuade others in the Legislature to enact these ideas as law in Maine.

Snowe-Mello: This is a tough one because I truly believe that we must cut taxes across the board in the State of Maine. I believe that the Tax Cap is not the answer because it only addresses local Government. To me the true culprit is the Maine State Legislature's fiscal irresponsibility and poor spending habits. We are in a close tie with New York State for being the highest taxed state in the U.S in over-all tax burden, # 1 in business tax and # 1 in property tax per income.

I believe that we need a Constitutional Spending Cap on state and local Government, stop taxing the income of those families who make $28,000 dollars or less, and we should base our property tax on the current sale price on the home ( this would add stability, fairness and equity to the property tax system.)

This plan was presented to the Legislature this past Legislative year. I would like us to also gradually get rid of the Business Equipment Tax that is adding extra burden to our businesses in Maine.

Businesses should be able to use this money to put back into their companies in order to strengthen the company. This would also benefit our workers in Maine by providing higher wages and benefits.

What would be your ideas to reduce the State deficit?

Douglass: At present the State is in the black, and we do not have a deficit. In fact, at the end of this fiscal year, Maine had more revenue that we budgeted to spend.

We still have a gap in what economists project will be spent next year, considering inflation and projected revenues. However, this gap shrunk because we cut the budget and revenues have increased. I will review the Governor's budget next year with the fine toothcomb we had to use this year.

As one who voted to reduce state spending by $1.6 Billion, yes Billion, I have proved that I can make hard choices to live within our means. While some residents complain that they do not like the choices we had to make, those of us who worked to keep limited services know that a true compromise usually leaves everyone cranky, but somewhat satisfied.

Last session, I passed two bills to improve accounting by the State, and I will inquire closely into how they have been implemented. Taxpayer money, including federal funds, must be used wisely and properly. I am proud that my campaign treasurer, Bruce Nadeau, found money improperly used in DHS and brought the matter to light. I want to help him become State Auditor, so he can use his skills as a CPA experienced in municipal and government accounting to identify every last penny of taxpayer money. If elected, I will absolutely use any funds we find wisely.

Snowe-Mello: We need a Constitutional Spending Cap which would require a 2/3 majority of the sitting legislature and local government before passing into law any budget. I would continue to base budgets on what are necessary essential services. Stop last minute addition of "Pork" to the budget. The Legislature must abide by and enforce " OPEGA" to allow it to work by examining The various governmental Bureaus and departments to cut waste, duplication and bookkeeping errors.

Gray Corner is termed by the DOT as a Level F : Failed intersection. Its daily snarls and constant accidents are a public safety concern. In addition, the inhibited traffic mobility affects business, commuters, and tourist perceptions of Southern Maine. What ideas do you have to help the region in and around Gray that is so affected by this horrendous traffic situation?

Douglass: In going door to door in New Gloucester over the summer and fall I learned a lot about this situation. I have already written to our Commissioner of Transportation, David Coles, about the speeding traffic on Route 100 and some dangerous intersections. I also drafted a letter to Maine Turnpike Authority Executive Director Paul Violette about Gray Corner. MTA plans for improving the exit into Gray and onto Route 26 need to be examined and discussed. Another ramp exit to Route 26 would eliminate some traffic, according to some residents.

Another lane in the current exit would help, said others. I know that several possible solutions to this problem are possible. I also know that the truck traffic leaving the turnpike to go north causes the MTA to lose money, residents of the Lewiston Road to lose sleep, and the DOT to lose pavement on Route 100 which will wear away more quickly from the heavy traffic.

I am an expert at bringing people together to find solutions. While I cannot claim to know a lot about traffic engineering, I am persistent. I know how to contact the experts. I know how to talk to residents. I know how to get people together to get results. If elected, I will go to work on this problem.

Snowe-Mello: Get rid of the Gray/New Gloucester toll booth. Folks avoid the toll booth and take route 100. If we got rid of the toll booth truckers etc would not get off in grey and would continue on to the Auburn/Lewiston area. Many folks get off in Gray to avoid paying a toll.