Guy Lebida

Republican

Candidate’s Links:

Office Sought: Senator – District 23
Age: 60
Occupation: General contractor and business owner
Education: Assoc. Degree From Penn State University
Family: Married 40 years
Hometown: Bowdoin

Political experience

I have not held any political offices.

Why are you running for office?

I believe that citizens are tired of electing politicians who say one thing to get elected and then vote the opposite way when in office. As a result, we see more regulations, higher taxes and fees, less freedom, and citizens’ voices not being heard. We need a Senator who will represent your voice in Augusta; one who will focus on enabling job growth, one who will lower the tax burden so Mainers can be more prosperous, and one who will defend your individual freedom. I will be that Senator. Together We Move Maine Forward!

• 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?
  • Yes

    We are loosing too many businesses to other states that have lower taxes. New businesses are hesitant to move here because of our high taxes and excessive regulations.

• Background Checks: Do you support background checks for privately sold firearms in Maine?
  • No

    It is already illegal to knowingly sell a gun via private sale to an individual who is a “prohibited person”, or “across state lines” to a buyer who is not a resident of the same state. The vast majority of gun sales go through Federal Firearms Licensees that must perform a background check on ALL gun sales (even at gun shows, over the internet, etc.)

• 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?
  • No

    This raises the minimum wage up to $12 per hour and gets rid of the tipped credit. The Maine Legislature has raised the minimum wage 9 times in the past 20 years and that has seemingly done nothing to help lift people out of poverty. By removing the tipped credit waiters and waitresses will be working for a lot less money than what they make in tips. Restaurants owners will find it very difficult to find help and make a living. The only way to adapt these changes would be to raise prices drastically, which would be devastating for individuals on fixed and lower incomes.

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

    At the present time we do not have an accurate way to test toxicity levels while operating vehicles. I am very concerned about the safety of fellow drivers and pedestrians. By legalizing marijuana for recreational use we will be further endangering the general driving public.

• 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?
  • We are not doing enough to stop the drug invasion. There are approx. 1800 babies born in Maine each year that are born with drug addictions.We should have stiffer penalties for drug dealers. We need to give more help to the drug addicted. We need to stop the use of EBT cards at ATM machines and the ability to get cash. This is adding to the procurement of drugs. Drug dealers are preying upon the less fortunate of our State.