Scott Gaiason

Democrat

Candidate’s Links:

Office Sought: Representative – District 56
Age: 70
Occupation: retired building contractor
Education: 5 years of college in three different fields
Family: married 1 daughter and 3 grandchildren
Hometown: Auburn

Political experience

None to now, but I have been involved with a number of communities in the past and that experience of working with people to organize and create change/events seems to be quite similar.

Why are you running for office?

I worked for Bernie as he was the first light of integrity I have experienced since 1964. It was through this that people suggested I run for the house seat. I, like so many people, had only voted and complained since first voting but the question caused me to look at my own position and realized that I could be “part of the problem, or part of the solution.”

• 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 consumer use taxes are regressive. The income tax is not so, so that those who have been successful in part because they are in the USA, can share some of their success with those who struggle.

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

    The idea that Maine can be a conduit for people who are terrorists, felons, or with restraining orders to buy firearms seems so completely crazy. I grew up here with hunting rifles and other firearms in the house and I certainly believe this is reasonable and proper, but just ANYONE. I don’t think so.

• 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

    If we were to look at the minimum wage as a portion of the gross national product historically, we would find that the new wage is consistent with that over time since WWII

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

    I believe it is much less harmful then alcohol and going back to prohibition seems so completely unrealistic, so this makes sense. I have seen drunken people get into fights but have never heard of a fight breaking out at a pot party. Plus, the revenue can certainly be used in the state. (We let in gambling for the income!)

• 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?
  • I’m not sure what should be done but I do know that this is a health care crisis, not an enforcement problem. Having done some powerful men’s work, I believe we need some tough love, accountability, and community involvement.