Bryan Cutchen

Republican

Candidate’s Links:

Office Sought: Senator – District 14
Age: 55
Occupation: Retired Navy Admiral
Education: M.A. Strategic Studies
Family: Married
Hometown: West Gardiner

Political experience

I am not a politician. I did have some experience on Capitol Hill representing issues for the Department of Defense to our elected officials.

Why are you running for office?

I am running because I believe the leadership, financial management and personnel management experience I gained leading a military organization of 65,000 personnel and managing a budget of $3 billion can have a tremendous positive impact on the people of Maine if I was to serve in the Maine State Senate. I know how to motivate people from many different backgrounds to work together to achieve a common goal.

• 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

    My support for this initiative would depend on knowing the details of what would replace income tax for a source of state revenue. I believe an income tax penalizes savings and a consumption tax is a much simpler and fairer way to tax the people of Maine. Essentials for living should remain tax free.

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

    The background check process is flawed. It still does not screen for individuals with a history of mental illness due to privacy considerations.

    The referendum is poorly written, funded by out of state money and would do little for the citizens of Maine.

• 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?
  • Other

    It would have a negative impact on small business.

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

    It poses a threat to children and the state does not have an effective way to test for impairment while driving.

• 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?
  • Ensure law enforcement has all the resources they need to combat the inflow of drugs. Improve information exchange with states where the drugs are coming from. In addition, offer effective treatment which get people back in the workforce.