Lois Galgay Reckitt

Democrat

Candidate’s Links:

Office Sought: Representative – District 31
Age: 71
Occupation: Retired Nonprofit Executive Director
Education: BA Brandeis University; MA Boston University
Family: Married
Hometown: South Portland

Political experience

My political experience has been as a citizen activist and lobbyist on behalf of a variety of issues. Primary among those interests has been equality for women which I believe is central to the wellbeing of women, children and families as a whole. For many years I worked to bring attention to those issues in Augusta. My work in the domestic violence and women’s movement resulted in 1998 in my selection to the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame – my greatest honor.
I have also been involved for decades in the struggle for equal rights for Maine’s LGBT citizens.

Why are you running for office?

I am running for Representative in order to participate directly in the politics of Maine at the Legislative level. To do so has been a goal of mine for decades. Now after retiring from Family Crisis Services, I have the time capacity to do so. My background working in collaboration with Maine’s criminal justice system as well as victims and survivors of domestic violence has brought me a clear understanding of improvements which might well be needed. Years of working with survivors trying to build new lives has made it abundantly clear to me that Maine needs a strong safety net for both families and seniors.
In addition, my graduate degree in marine biology and teaching experience at Southern Maine (now) Community College has lead me to a deep understanding of the fragility of our precious marine environment and its importance to Maine’s economy. Although the majority of my work life has been in social services, I have never stopped caring and worrying about the environment.

• 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

    I believe progressive taxation is the fairest way to proceed with meeting our shared burden.

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

    I spent 36 years responding to murders of women, children and men killed in domestic violence situations. Over half of these have always been carried out with guns. To say, as our current laws do, that guns sold by licensed gun dealers must undergo a background check before purchase, and other sales do not is totally illogical. Thousands of abusers have been stopped from purchasing by the federal background check system. But over half the guns sold in Maine are not subject to this check. I wonder how many of those rejected immediately turned to the private market by internet, advertisement or friend of a friend

• 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

    The current minimum wage in Maine makes it impossible to support a family of 4 – working 40 hours a week. The ballot question takes reasonable steps to enact long overdue increases over time.

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

    I am conflicted on this issue – and worry about sales to and exposure of minors. In addition, I am carefully considering law enforcement concerns and considerations as I make my decision.

• 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?
  • Absolutely not. There are insufficient treatment beds available to Maine sufferers. I applaud the efforts, like the one by the Scarborough PD to place addicts out of state for treatment. However, there should be beds available in Maine, supported by state government – and not located, by default, in the jails.