Henry Dilts

Democrat

Office Sought: Senator – District 15
Age: 54
Occupation: Educator
Education: UMaine Orono Masters of Public Administration
Family: Married (Bonnie), 2 children (Howard and Medina), 1 stepson (Harrison)
Hometown: Augusta

Political experience

I have no political experience other than being a good citizen in participating in the political system. I have developed three Maine-based businesses. I have served on the Maine Department of Transportation’s Citizen Advisory Committee, Region 1; worked for and was treasurer of the Northern Katahdin Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce; and was a founding member of the Maine Wood Products Association; all in the 1990s.

Why are you running for office?

I believe Maine is the best place to live and a true land of opportunity. I have spent many years trying to help bring prosperity to our great state. Our current state leadership is letting the state deteriorate as they seek to only make spectacular deals at bring jobs to the state. Reduced and postponed spending is causing the state to fall into disrepair and driving out the poor and the middle class. I see to change the attitude from despair into a “can-do” spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, working the land and resources and truly making Maine “Open to Business.” Most of all I want all to have an equal opportunity to succeed and live the life they want to have. I want a Maine that my children will want to grow up in and live out their lives.

• 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?
  • No.
    As an example of fiscal mismanagement, the Governor has cut out Local Aid and the 55% state support to school districts in order to make his budget look balanced. He then wants to cut the taxes of wealthier citizens, who in turn will sit on this money or invest it out of state rather than in the local economy. Rather than cutting or eliminating the income tax, I would use the revenue to restore Local Aid and school funding so that municipalities can cut their property taxes, thus allowing poor land owners to keep their lands and property. This will also benefit employers and businesses with lower property taxes. I would also use income tax increases to pay for single-payer health insurance for all Mainers. By having citizens pay their own health insurance through taxes, the state and municipalities will reduce their budgets by NOT having to provide health insurance to public employees. Private employers will also save money and paperwork by not having to provide for health, either.
• Background Checks: Do you support background checks for privately sold firearms in Maine?
  • Yes.
    We require citizens and professional gun dealers the time, money, and inconvenience of background checks to keep law-abiding citizens and gun owners safe. There should not be any loopholes that will let dangerous people and criminals get firearms into their possession. I also support a mandatory one year in prison for personal carrying of a firearm that is not registered or not having a license on their person.
• 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?
  • Yes.
    While I am not a big supporter of raising the minimum wage, we clearly have to get more money into the pockets of Maine workers just so they can survive. I am open to other ideas that don’t include raising minimum wages, but too many cannot afford to wait.
• Marijuana: Do you support legalization of marijuana for recreational use?
  • Yes.
    Given the paranoia of Federal officials, we have few studies about the benefits and dangers of marijuana. In the meantime, we actively support the manufacture of alcoholic products and subsidize tobacco farming. I believe it should be sold behind the counter in drug stores, taxed by the state and local municipalities if they desire. It should be kept out of the hands of those under 18, similar to tobacco and harsh penalties for those who endanger the safety of others (DUI) when having used the product to excess.
• 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.
    We need more treatment facilities and programs which now have a reputation of being somewhat successful. The best we can do is look at who the abusers are and why they are turning to such narcotics. Having a good job and a sense of purpose in life I believe will help solve the problem.