Kimberly Diamond

Republican

Candidate’s Links:

Office Sought: Representative – District 44
Age: 52
Occupation: Business Manager, Mark Diamond, DDS, LLC
Education: BA University of Maine at Orono – Public Administration; MS American University Washington, DC – Justice/Judicial Administration
Family: Married; 2 Children
Hometown: Owls Head

Political experience

This is my first run for an elected office. I have served as the campaign office manager for U.S. Senator Susan Collins and U.S. Senator Bill Cohen.

Why are you running for office?

I have served the judicial branch of our government for 16 years. I would be honored to now serve the people of Maine (and Falmouth) in the legislative branch. I am a native Mainer and I care deeply about our state. I wish to serve as a representative so that I can actively support and encourage the growth of Maine businesses. I want to protect our precious natural environment and preserve our traditional outdoor heritage. I want our children to have the best educational opportunities and to have the economic opportunity to remain in Maine. I believe our retirees should not have to change their residency in order to avoid state income tax. I believe we must care for most vulnerable citizens, our seniors, and our veterans. I wish to encourage continued reform in our welfare system. It is unacceptable to have our tax payers providing endless support to able-bodied people who are fully capable of gainful employment. I find fraud and abuse of government programs unacceptable. I am running for office because I would like to be in a position where I can advocate for all of these issue.

• 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 support lowering Maine’s income tax rate although I am not convinced it should be eliminated entirely. I believe lowering Maine’s income tax rate will result in economic growth and will attract new businesses.

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

    I believe our current state and federal background checks are sufficient. I oppose universal registration.

• 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

    Raising the state minimum wage too rapidly will have a negative impact on our small businesses which are the backbone of Maine’s economy. Small-business owners are likely to cut hours and reduce hiring. It will become even harder for the unemployed or teenagers to find an entry level job. Business owners will most like respond by raise prices of their goods and services which will negatively affect all consumers, especially the poor and those the rural parts of our state. The sectors to be most negatively affected by a too aggressive minimum wage increase are our restaurants, family owned convenience stores, and and small service businesses. These sectors are a large and important part of our economy.

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

    I am not opposed to the recreational use of marijuana, however I am opposed to the legalization of it at this time. I do not want Maine to become a pot-tourism destination.

• 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?
  • I do believe the state doing an admirable job addressing this complex issue. It is a multi-faceted problem which requires coordinated attention from all segments of our society. The state is taking the steps to bring these entities together to solve this crisis.