KENNEBUNK — With elections just one short week away, Kennebunk voters mulling candidates for House District 8 will choose between Democrat Chris Babbidge and Republican Ed Karytko, who square off in a contest for an open seat in the Legislature.
Ӣ Babbidge, 65, is a retired teacher living in Kennebunk with his wife of 41 years. They have three grown daughters and five grandchildren. He served in the Maine House of Representatives from 2004-08 and served on the Kennebunk Charter Commission. In addition, he was a Maine delegate to the Democratic National Presidential Conventions in Chicago, Los Angeles and Denver.
In the realm of jobs and the economy, Babbidge said there is less friction than there used to be between business interests and the environment, primarily because of emerging consensus that the environment itself comprises a large part of that economy. The key, he said, is encouraging small business growth.
“The emphasis has to be on small business success, a strong workforce and affordable energy,” said Babbidge. “Targeted investment is the key, and some of that will be bonding to get Maine started.”
In terms of taxes, Babbidge favors progressive taxation, utilizing a graduated tax scale that would require those who make more to pay more. Babbidge said any proposed tax increases should have sunset provisions based on the performance of the Maine economy.
“We all grimace at taxes,” said Babbidge, “but most of us want our families to be in safe cars driving on good roads and safe bridges to get to good schools in a safe town. Taxes are necessary and are the price of civilization. The key, however, is to keep them in check.”
Babbidge said the issues most important to him include the economy, environment, education, affordable energy, and fighting for Maine seniors ”“ getting them care when needed, controlling costs and helping to maintain their independence at home.
“Augusta has become more like Washington, with constant name-calling and distrust,” he said. “Mainers deserve better from their government, and my approach to leadership is to develop a relationship, earn trust and engage in an honest exchange of civil discourse looking for ways to agree.”
”¢ Karytko, 70, is retired and lives in West Kennebunk. He’s been married for 44 years and has four grown children and six grandchildren. While he has no previous political experience, Karytko is a fixture at meetings of Kennebunk’s Board of Selectmen and School Board.
To address the issue of jobs and the economy, Karytko said Maine needs to become more competitive with states that offer tax incentives to companies considering locating here. Citing a specific example, Karytko recalled a time when the town was trying to lure a film company to the area; had that effort met with success, he said, the company’s employees would have lent their patronage to local businesses and perhaps been inspired to invest in local charities ”“ a potential that went unfulfilled due to the way the state taxes businesses, he said.
“In order to compete with other states, we have to start thinking about that,” said Karytko. “You’ve got to give these companies a reason to move here.”
To address issues like property and sales taxes, Karytko said it’s important to take a look at the state’s expenditures to decide what’s necessary and what’s not. Only then can the Legislature get a clear handle on whether, and how much, taxes need to be cut.
“In order to know all the details, you really have to be on the inside,” said Karytko. “One has to really look at where we’re spending money.”
One issue that’s important to him, Karytko said, is controlling the cost of education while still providing students with adequate opportunities for learning. In particular, he cited a failed referendum in January that would have overhauled three facilities in Regional School Unit 21 to the tune of about $75 million.
Karytko thought that price tag much too high.
“There’s a limit to what the community can absorb,” he said. “I think people are saying, ”˜Look, enough is enough.’”
— Staff Writer Jeff Lagasse can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 319 or jlagasse@journaltribune.com.
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