Susan Deschambault

Democrat

Office Sought: Senator – District 32
Age: 68
Occupation: Retired Social Worker- Classification Case Manager and Supervisor (43 yrs) ME Dept Corrections
Education: Graduate of St. Joseph High School, B.A. from St. Francis College (UNE) and Paralegal Studies
Family: Son – Dominic
Hometown: Biddeford

Political experience

I was elected to and served two terms on the Biddeford City Council and was Chair of the Policy and Personnel committees. I was twice elected to serve on Biddeford Charter Revision Commission and am a former member of York County Budget Committee. I served for 12 years as a Police Commissioner and for 17 years was a as member and treasurer of Maine Criminal Justice Commission appointed by Governors McKernan, King and Baldacci. I was and am currently a member of Biddeford School System Policy Committee. I am a 15 year volunteer with PeoplesChoice Credit Union and am currently a Board Director. I also serve as the current Biddeford Planning Board Chair.

Why are you running for office?

I am seeking a second term in the Maine State Senate is to continue representing the 6 towns in District 32 – Alfred, Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Kennebunkport and Lyman. Each area has a unique need for advocacy on the state level and I will continue to address and promote their individuality. I will focus on maintaining the sustainability of our farming communities, helping to determine the best new location for the County Courthouse, protecting the beauty and diversity of our coastal areas and continuing to focus on economic growth, public health and education.

• 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

    Our current tax rate is based on income and is designed to ensure that everyone pays their fair share. Increasing the state’s sales tax will only adversely affect the poorest of our state. This is not sound tax policy for the State of Maine.

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

    I do support this question. Guns purchased from reputable dealers are subject to a background check. This initiative would tighten a loophole of being able to purchase firearms at gun shows and through private sales without being subjected to a background check.

• 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 supported increasing the minimum wage increase during the last legislative session and I continue to support this effort.

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

    I am not in favor of legalizing marijuana for recreational use. I do however support the use of medical marijuana. This citizen referendum if passed requires careful thought as to its application.

• 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 I do not believe we are doing enough to address the epidemic here in Maine. Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a $3.7 million plan to address the problem.
    $3.7 million is insufficient to implement the statewide multi-pronged approach we need to address the crisis. We need to focus on prevention, education, treatment and law enforcement efforts as well address the issue of those with a dual diagnosis. We need to address reimbursement for detox and recovery centers. We need to dedicate resources to the families as quickly as we can. This is an issue that the state, communities and individuals will all need to come together to address.