H. Stedman Seavey

Republican

Office Sought: Representative – District 9
Age: 64
Occupation: retired grocer
Education: B.S. 1977 USM political science
Family: Married , two children, two grandchildren
Hometown: Kennebunkport

Political experience

I have worked hard for my constituents individually and my district as a whole the 12 years I have been in the legislature. I have experience to get things done and I believe good judgement and demeanor to know what to do. My goals for the next two years would be to continue property tax reform, better treatment facilities for drug addicts and promoting light manufacturing such as we have in the Biddeford Industrial park.

Why are you running for office?

I have worked hard for my constituents individually and my district as a whole the 12 years I have been in the legislature. I have experience to get things done and I believe good judgement and demeanor to know what to do. My goals for the next two years would be to continue property tax reform, better treatment facilities for drug addicts and promoting light manufacturing such as we have in the Biddeford Industrial park.

• 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

    Our state economy is not competitive with other states because of our high income tax rates. We will only attract more business to the state by lowering the income tax. I don’t believe we should necessarily eliminate it but we should certainly lower it.

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

    The voters will have a say in this proposal this November therefore I will not take a public stand.

• 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 believe approving this measure could have the most devastating impact on our economy as anything in the last 50 years. No business would relocate here to the state and no one would open a business. They would go to New Hampshire. Also many businesses now here would relocate out of state.

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

    I honestly don’t know yet.

• 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?
  • More treatment centers to meet the demand for those wishing to free themselves from this deadly addiction.