Sonja Sleeper

Republican

Candidate’s Links:

Office Sought: Representative – District 92
Age: 55
Occupation: Administrator
Education: B.A. Fine Arts, Rutgers University
Family: Single
Hometown: South Thomaston

Political experience

Not a professional politician, more of a gradual process that began in 2001 and culminated in a run for select board and then a prior run for representative. I am learning as I go, the point of my run is to define a new type of candidate and representative. I am rough around the edges but I have some good ideas that are worth pursuing and sharing with others. I am a member of the Town of South Thomaston’s Budget and planning committees, and am active in my community.

Why are you running for office?

I am running to see what I can do. Tired of sitting on the sidelines looking in and I believe I have a good argument and will be able to accomplish much needed tax reforms. I hope to begin the process of property tax reform, inclusive of the State funding formula. We can no longer increase taxes or even expand the taxable item list, we need to diversify and consider changes to how we tax. This is something that will benefit everyone. I do not believe in large scale alternative energy, not cost effective or productive, prefer investing in supplemental power for local areas or homeowners. After all why pay to develop and then pay again to get delivery and use it? I also believe our best choice for the future is in local focus not state, regional or national when it comes to community building and development. i.e. Keep our tax dollars in our community. I also firmly believe that no one in public service or the government gets more than whats available in the private sector, the government is supposed to be of the people, by the people and for the people. Not a self sustaining organism that keeps multiplying. If revenues are down, no new taxes to make up the difference same as the individual facing loss of income.

• 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?
  • Other

    I want to see less tax, and increased revenues from other sources. I did like the governors idea of selling state timber to fund the food program. It has merit and it and similar ideas are worth pursuing because our population is small and is already overburdened with taxes.

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

    It is something that is already done, technically fire arm owner had to pass a background test to purchase the weapon and adding layers to a sale will over complicate the process and I see a lot of problems and feel that it would definitely impose on peoples rights.

• 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

    I want to reduce the cost of living, simply raising wages will increase the cost of living and I believe it will hurt small businesses and increase unemployment. It is a matter of cash flow, income streams and markets.

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

    It is a really bad idea. Marijuana is not the same as beer or alcohol, it stays in your system and impairs judgement. Asking someone to be an adult and use responsibly is a joke given the frequency of OUI’s now, and how many will be under the influence at work after lunch?

• 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?
  • Ask me that question when the dependency and overdose situation actually reaches 1% of the population. PS I am a cold turkey person, I have had enough experience with addicts to know better. Not that I do not sympathize with the families and friends of those involved and wish the journey they are on with their loved one does not hurt them too bad.