A few months ago I sent out a survey to all of the households in District 110 (parts of Gray and Windham).

The response was very encouraging as we received more than 120 returns. Based upon the participants that left their name and address the returns appear to be broad-based across all political affiliations in the district.

Most of the responses were pretty much in line with what I was expecting, however a couple of answers did surprise me.

Some of the questions that fell in the area of what citizens have been communicating to me, included:

• Do you think that military recruiters should be allowed to wear uniforms while visiting public high schools just as civilian college and career recruiters are allowed? 90% yes; 5% no; 5% undecided.

• Are you in favor of forest rangers being allowed to carry firearms? 82% yes; 11% no; 7% ud.

• There was a question asking if the law allowing the sale of consumer fireworks should be repealed. That came out at 38% yes; 58% no; 4% ud.

• Do you think the state’s budget problems are caused by too much spending or not enough revenue? 68% too much spending; 19% not enough revenue; 3% ud.

Now for a couple of surprises to me only because the percentages were higher than I expected.

• Do you support the law that allows political candidates for Governor and the Legislature to use taxpayer funds to run for public office? 30% yes; 62% no; 8% ud. I wonder if the people’s minds on this subject have changed over the years and it’s time for another ballot question.

• Do you support “Right to Work” legislation in Maine, which would prevent unions from forcing workers to pay dues if they don’t want to be a member? 70% yes; 24% no; 6% ud. I will admit that number is 15 to 20 points higher than I would have guessed in this district.

• What do you consider to be the most critical issues concerning Maine citizens?

Business Attraction

Education

Welfare Reform tied with Tax reform

I would like to thank district citizens who took the time to fill out the survey. Your opinions do matter to me as we work through the second regular session of the 126th Legislature. With welfare reform, MaineCare and a very large shortfall in the DHHS budget, it will be a busy four months. Questions or comments please let me know. Emails can be sent through the legislature or my phone at 831-8533. Thank you.

Rep. Thomas Tyler, R-Windham, represents District 110 in the Maine Legislature.

A few months ago I sent out a survey to all of the households in District 110 (parts of Gray and Windham).

The response was very encouraging as we received more than 120 returns. Based upon the participants that left their name and address the returns appear to be broad-based across all political affiliations in the district.

Most of the responses were pretty much in line with what I was expecting, however a couple of answers did surprise me.

Some of the questions that fell in the area of what citizens have been communicating to me, included:

• Do you think that military recruiters should be allowed to wear uniforms while visiting public high schools just as civilian college and career recruiters are allowed? 90% yes; 5% no; 5% undecided.

• Are you in favor of forest rangers being allowed to carry firearms? 82% yes; 11% no; 7% ud.

• There was a question asking if the law allowing the sale of consumer fireworks should be repealed. That came out at 38% yes; 58% no; 4% ud.

• Do you think the state’s budget problems are caused by too much spending or not enough revenue? 68% too much spending; 19% not enough revenue; 3% ud.

Now for a couple of surprises to me only because the percentages were higher than I expected.

• Do you support the law that allows political candidates for Governor and the Legislature to use taxpayer funds to run for public office? 30% yes; 62% no; 8% ud. I wonder if the people’s minds on this subject have changed over the years and it’s time for another ballot question.

• Do you support “Right to Work” legislation in Maine, which would prevent unions from forcing workers to pay dues if they don’t want to be a member? 70% yes; 24% no; 6% ud. I will admit that number is 15 to 20 points higher than I would have guessed in this district.

• What do you consider to be the most critical issues concerning Maine citizens?

Business Attraction

Education

Welfare Reform tied with Tax reform

I would like to thank district citizens who took the time to fill out the survey. Your opinions do matter to me as we work through the second regular session of the 126th Legislature. With welfare reform, MaineCare and a very large shortfall in the DHHS budget, it will be a busy four months. Questions or comments please let me know. Emails can be sent through the legislature or my phone at 831-8533. Thank you.

Rep. Thomas Tyler, R-Windham, represents District 110 in the Maine Legislature.