Jean-Marie Caterina (D)
Age: 57
Education: B.A., political science, University of Maine; master's
in social work administration, Boston College.
Occupation: Owner, real estate brokerage firm,
Caterina-MacLean Group (since 2002)
Work history: Latin teacher, Waynflete School, Portland
(1994-2002)
Elective Experience: None. Was Assistant Commissioner of Labor for
Legislative Affairs (mid 1980s)
Residency: Gorham Road, Scarborough (since 1988)
Personal: Married (25 years), one child.
Contact: phone: 318-3440; email: jcat4me@gmail.com;
website: www.jcat4me.com
Q: Why do you want to represent your
district in the state legislature?
A: Like most voters in my district, I am looking for a government that
works across the aisle to develop positive solutions to the issues facing Maine
voters today. I am tired of divisive, slash and burn, bullying politics. It is
time to work together to forge thoughtful solutions to move us forward without
rancor and blame. As a trained and skilled negotiator, I value the ability
of two sides to lay out their issues and work together to craft
solutions that work for as many people as possible without compromising
integrity and values.”
Q: What do you think are
the three most important issues facing Maine? (Of these, please identify at
least one issue that is specific to your district.)
A: Economic insecurity is
the biggest issue in this state. Economic insecurity includes not just fears
about losing a job, but also questions like "Are my property taxes going
to keep going up?", "Is the state ever going to bring spending under
control?" "Are our public schools going to be OK?" and "Why
can’t I afford medical care?" We need to look at why so many of our
children need to leave the state to find good jobs. We need to examine why so
many citizens are stuck in place in jobs with absurdly low wages and no
benefits. We need to work together now to solve those issues.
The voters with whom I
have met are most concerned about the level of "meanness" that seems
to be apparent in Augusta. They are not impressed by "my way or the
highway" politics. They want to see constructive ideas regarding getting
the budget under control and growing the economy without blaming others.
Q:
As a legislator, what would you do, specifically, to address these concerns?
A: Working across the aisle
to solve issues without rancor and blame would be a good start in improving
everything. Each party has good ideas for attracting great businesses,
reforming overly restrictive regulations, and ensuring that all Maine workers
make living wages with adequate benefits. Let’s put those ideas on the table
and work together to get it done.
Q: Do you support
same-sex marriage? Why, or why not?
A:
I support marriage equality. There is no reason for the government to restrict
this option for couples who love one another and are willing to make
that commitment.
Heather W. Sirocki (R)
Age: 52
Education: Associate’s degree.
Occupation: Receptionist, registered dental hygienist.
Elective Experience: State representative, District 128 (2010)
Residency: Glendale Circle, Scarborough (since 1984)
Personal: Married, three children.
Contact: Phone: 883-5609; email:heather.sirocki@gmail.com;
website: www.SirockiForMaineHouse.com
Q: Why do you want to represent your
district in the state Legislature?
A: Two years ago, the people of my district honored me with the
opportunity to serve as their voice in Augusta. Seeking re-election means that
I can continue the important work we started. As part of a refreshing new team,
I am a citizen legislator, not a professional politician. With a 100 percent
attendance and 100 percent voting record, I take my job seriously.
Sen. Olympia Snowe recently told me how proud she is of Maine’s current
legislature. With bipartisan support, we had accomplished more in a matter of
months than many states had in years, and sadly, Washington, D.C. is mired in
gridlock. Maine is leading the way. She noted that Maine’s largest income tax
cut is especially important, and middle class Mainers will pay 15 percent less,
and 70,000 working poor will be removed from the tax rolls.
When I stepped foot in Augusta, we faced a staggering $1.3 billion
budget deficit. We rolled up our sleeves and spent months of late nights
working hard for the people of Maine. With attention to detail, and with open
and rigorous debate, we balanced the budget. And more importantly, we enacted
long overdue reforms, to address problems that had been re-occurring for many
years. We refused to kick the can down the road anymore.
My personal and professional background has taught me how tough it is
to make ends meet. Affordable and responsible government is important. Common
sense solutions are making a difference.
Q: What do you think are
the three most important issues facing Maine? (Of these, please identify at
least one issue that is specific to your district.)
A: In order of
priority: 1. Health & Human Services – Prioritize limited resources for our
most vulnerable populations, especially physically and cognitively disabled
individuals on wait lists. 2. Promote business and job growth. 3. Protect
rights.
Q:
As a legislator, what would you do, specifically, to address these concerns?
A: Legislators introduce
new laws, amend existing laws and repeal existing laws.
To address concerns, it
takes a variety of strategies including all of the aforementioned. For
example: I support welfare reform. I worked to amend laws to help make
government more affordable so we that can prioritize our limited resources to
help the most vulnerable populations – the physically and cognitively disabled
– many of whom are on wait lists. I support repealing laws that over regulate
businesses. I successfully passed legislation to allow independent practice dental
hygienists the ability to take x-rays. I support privacy rights of the
individual. I successfully passed landmark legislation to study the privacy and
cyber-security concerns of Smart Meters, and I worked with the Public
Advocate’s office and the Maine Public Utilities Commission to allow Mainers
the right to opt out.
Q: Do you support
same-sex marriage? Why, or why not?
A:
This question is not applicable to the office I am seeking. It is my
understanding that this issue will be presented directly to the voters in
November. At this point, it is not a question that will be decided by the Maine
Legislature. If and when it is presented to the Legislature, I will seek input
from my constituents so that I may better represent their views.
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