Matt Mattingly

Republican

Candidate’s Links:

Office Sought: Representative – District 26
Age: 48
Occupation: Innkeeper
Education: M.A. Strategic Communications
Family: Married, 2 children
Hometown: Gorham

Political experience

Gorham Town Council
Gorham Town Council Finance Committee
Gorham Town Council Economic Development Committee Chair

Why are you running for office?

I am running for everyone who feels that our government no longer represents the people of Maine. I have witnessed a municipal government detach itself from true and honest representation. I have discovered state laws that allow for abusive behaviors by non elected local officials leaving the people nowhere to turn. Our government is supposed to be created by us and for us. People come first.

Maine has only begun to walk a path that will provide new jobs, a growing economy, better education, new opportunities, safe communities and improve the standard of life for all. Maine depends on the creativity and ingenuity of all people to drive a future which benefits everyone. People come first.

We must make our government more responsible to the people. The actions of the government must reflect the will of the people and not the desire of special or out of state interests. I will advocate for the people of Maine. People come first.

Local, state or national elected officials who isolate themselves from the people follow a path that does not represent those they are sworn to serve. They operate a system of injustice burdening the preselected with the will of those who don’t care. A government from the people must be responsible and only those who understand the most basic principle from which all else follows can lead our great state. People come first.

We are thinkers, we are doers, we are caring and we understand. We are the People of Maine.

• 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

    With a year round population of 1.3M but welcoming over 40M guests to our great state each year requires a better understanding of the complexity of our situation. The demand on services to the potential contribution of each visitor in tangible terms requires a give and take.

    Each guest paying for goods, services and enjoying all the experiences Maine has to offer also receives services paid for by those of us living here year round. Can we shift the burden from those struggling to earn a living to those buying goods and services? Will this increase resident personal income, strengthen our economy and make our state more attractive for outside investment? It possibly might.

    Relying on those who live and work year round paying income tax does not create a complete economic picture. A balanced approach is called for, less demand on earned income and more demand on goods and services will make Maine a better place for those who call this place home.

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

    We do not need outside individuals influencing our laws and codes. We are smart enough to determine the need for legislation and do not require those from around the country influencing our choices. There is no practical demonstration to supports this demand. Do we need to be careful, mindful, cognizant of our actions and responsible for our choices…..yes. Do we need someone from away telling us how we should manage our lives, no.

• 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

    The current measure will displace thousands of workers and force many good businesses to close. We need to step up the minimum wage but do not need to allow those from around the country influencing what we know we need. Over 10,000 businesses have said they are willing to step up our wages but the referendum is to much and goes to far.

    Should the minimum wage in Kennebunk be the same as North Anson? No. We have distinct economies in our state and no two areas are the same and we cannot accept a law that makes all region equal. Someone will pay the price and it will be those who can least afford to do so.

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

    Maine suffers from an opioid epidemic. Death is at our door step. Marijuana may be a very useful tool in dealing with these issues but we need to take one step at a time. We must deal with our spiraling opioid issues before introducing other measures which may only make our problems worse creating yet another financial drain on our society. Legalization of marijuana is not as simple as it is presented.

    Every baby must at first take one step.

• 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 have authored a definitive measure to stem those who are inclined to step into the opioid wave of abuse. Let’s take one problem on before we create a situation for another. My solution is available on my web site.We can stem the tide of those getting addicted but this also involves the full attention of our medical community. Addiction to pain medication starts a spiral that is ending in a dire desperate place. Many of those in our clinics start with a simple prescription.