Benjamin T. Collings

Democrat

Office Sought: Representative – District 42
Age: 40
Occupation: Political & business consultant
Education: UMFK
Family: Three school-age children
Hometown: Portland (Fort Kent)

Political experience

Worked on political campaigns for approximately 30 years. Was a Legislative Aide in House Majority Office. Lobbied in Augusta and occasionally in D.C. for Native American Tribes, Unions and other Organizations. Ran Bernie Sanders Campaign in Maine and conducted National Native American Outreach for Bernie 2016.

Why are you running for office?

To bring people together to deliver results for the hard working people of Portland and the rest of Maine. To promote a greater investment in Education, Infrastructure and Technology. To help restore civility, integrity and visionary leadership in Augusta.

• Income Tax: Gov. LePage would like to lower Maine’s income tax rate and eventually eliminate it, by increasing the state’s sales tax and expanding it across a broader range of goods and services. Do you support this proposal?
  • No

    While we should broaden our sales tax and have equity among all industries, we need revenue to run our state responsibly and therefore shouldn’t eliminate our reasonable income tax. The Governor’s proposal is a veiled attempt to shift the tax burden away from the wealthiest onto the working families of Maine.

• Background Checks: Do you support background checks for privately sold firearms in Maine?
  • Yes

    This is very reasonable to close that loophole. Background checks do have a positive impact to deter violent episodes. All mentally stable, law abiding citizens having nothing to fear.

• Minimum Wage: In light of the ballot question facing voters this fall, do you support raising the state’s minimum wage from $7.50 to $12 an hour by 2020?
  • Yes

    Wages have not kept up with cost of living. The working poor receiving starvation wages are forced to use tax payer funded assistance. We are a consumer economy, extra income will increase demand for good and services, creating new jobs and additional tax revenue.

• Marijuana: Do you support legalization of marijuana for recreational use?
  • Yes

    Prohibition of this industry has been senseless and a waste of time and money. we can all benefit from a taxed and regulated market.

• Addiction/Overdoses: Do you believe the state is doing enough in response to the rise in heroin/opiate addiction and overdoses? If not, what else should be done?
  • No. More prevention, more focus on education and treatment of addiction.