Bil Weidner

Republican

Candidate’s Links:

Office Sought: Representative – District 52
Age: 54
Occupation: Sales
Education: BS Microbiology
Family: Divorced with two children
Hometown: Bath

Political experience

I was elected to the University of Maine General Student Senate as a leader for the “Non-Traditional” student population. I was a Navy Veteran and there were others like me, generally older than 18-22, folks who were going back to school later in life, International transfer students, some gays and lesbians wanting a more mature housing situation (outside of a traditional dorm) and some hippies living in a coop :).

Why are you running for office?

I am running for office for a few reasons. Once I became aware that no one was running against the incumbent Democrat in Bath, I investigated what the position required as far as time and other responsibilities. I also visited Augusta as a guest to a Republican caucus and became energized. As a Republican, I am unhappy with the results of many years of Democrat lead policy in Maine. Although we have had Republican leadership in the Executive and in the Senate, the government closest to the people is in the House and Republicans have been in the minority there for way too long. We need balance in government and if things can’t be 50/50 on any given year then control needs to shift from party to party to work for the people. My election would put the House within six or so seats away from a House majority, and a new wave for pro-economic growth Republican lead agenda.

• 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

    This is just one proposal I would consider supporting. People in Maine need to keep in mind that income tax is derived from working people, and compared to other states we have a high population of those who don’t work (think of the elderly and unemployed). On the flip side we have a high population of tourists that increase our income from sales taxes that should be leveraged. It’s all about balance, and so far Gov. LePage has made strides towards improving Maine’s attractiveness to new and growing businesses. That needs to continue. I believe a rising economic tide lifts us all, and in particular those on the lowest rung.

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

    This bad idea for Mainers will do nothing to reduce gun related violence or other crimes while opening the door to infringements to our Constitution rights under the 2nd amendment as well as inserting more government into our private lives. It is simply uncalled for in Maine.

• 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

    As I mentioned regarding your question on sales tax vs. income tax, Maine has a very high tourism industry that would be penalized by this government intrusion into private business. We are beyond the days when a minimum wage was needed to survive in Maine. Low paying jobs are perfect for younger people getting experience in the work force as well as retirees who simply like working. Higher paying jobs should be reserved for those with workforce skills, work ethics and loyalty to a business owner. When an employer employs an employee, it is not just a salary that is being provided. It is an opportunity to learn skills and develop a resume and a reputation. Don’t forget the value in that.

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

    Although you didn’t ask, I do support the medicinal use of marijuana and trust doctors to prescribe responsibly. Not all Republicans feel that that way, but I have been in the medical field for long enough to have developed that opinion. However, legalization for recreational use, I believe, is dangerous to the development of our youth. There is no need to do this experiment in Maine, and I urge voters to wait until the experiment in Colorado can be studied further…let’s take our time on this one please.

• 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 don’t, and I have a few ideas for part of this problem. The supply of illegal opiates from out of state is a law enforcement issue that needs to be improved by giving our police force the tools they need to do their jobs. The opiates that come from within Maine however may even be a bigger problem and there is much that can be done within the medical community to reduce the availability of grandma’s or grandpa’s pill bottle, as well as the very basic over prescription or poorly controlled pain management that can easily be monitored and improved.