Seth M Baker

Green Independent

Candidate’s Links:

Office Sought: Senator – District 27
Age: 28
Occupation: Web developer
Education: Studied Computer Science and Philosophy
Family: lives with partner
Hometown: Smithfield

Political experience

None / first run for public office.

Why are you running for office?

I’m running for office because I want the 21st century to fulfill its potential with a society that works everybody. We live in an era of immense wealth and technology and its time they got configured for the well being of humanity and not capital accumulation. The world is changing rapidly one way or the other, we need to make American politics about big ideas that solve problems again. Technological progress is changing the job market at a rapid rate and we should be embracing it for a new economy that allows us to work less. If we don’t fight for workers right and a socialism for the 21st century, things will get much more dire for much of the population. If elected I’ll fight for everyday people and our interests and push back against 30 years of failed trickle down economic policies. American political culture is at an all time low and is fueled by toxic back and forth between the two major parties. I’ll work outside the major parties to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to 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

    The income tax should be far more progressive and that sales tax increases hurt low income people the most. Our top income starts at $20,900 which is absurd. We need a much more progressive tax system that has higher earners paying more and limits the tax burden on working people

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

    I’m for consistency, all gun sales private or otherwise should require background checks

• 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

    I support the ballot question as the first step towards raising the minimum wage to $15. I also support the elimination of the sub minimum wage for tipped workers, no employer should be exempt from paying at or above the minimum wage.

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

    I support the legalization for marijuana and the right of adults to use marijuana on their own time. I have concerns about about legalization leading to a free for all and think lawmakers will need to keep an eye on the situation.

• 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 need to do everything we can to provide more treatment options and reduce harm. I support more funding drug treatment, rehabilitation programs as well as needle exchanges. I also think we must end all legal penalties for drug use and position, giving people struggling with drug addiction criminal records is grossly irresponsible