Drew Gattine

Democrat

Candidate’s Links:

Office Sought: Representative – District 34
Age: 53
Occupation: Health care project manager
Education: B.A., Colgate University; J.D., Columbia University
Family: Married, two children
Hometown: Westbrook

Political experience

Maine House of Representatives (two terms), House Chair, Health and Human Services Committee
Westbrook City Council (three terms), Chair, Finance Committee, Chair, Committee of the Whole
Westbrook Charter Commission, Chair

Why are you running for office?

I feel passionate about serving my community.

• 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

    Tax policy should focus on helping working Mainers and seniors. We need to fund revenue sharing and schools to relieve the burden on property taxes.

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

    It only makes sense to close this loophole and the current ballot measure is tailored so that it doesn’t run afoul of the Second Amendment.

• 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

    It has been far too long since we have raised the minimum wage An increase in the minimum wage is an important first step to alleviating poverty.

• Marijuana: Do you support legalization of marijuana for recreational use?
  • No

    A close call for me. I agree with many of the arguments in support but have too many open questions about the health and societal impacts.

• 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. We are seriously lagging behind in our ability to provide treatment options. Resources are scarce, primarily because of underfunding. Medicaid expansion would be a huge step forward.