Margaret O’Neil

Democrat

Candidate’s Links:

Office Sought: Representative – District 15
Age: 27
Occupation: Hospitality; Former state park ranger
Education: B.A. Dalhousie University, Classics and History
Family: Single
Hometown: Saco

Political experience

This is my first time seeking elected office. I served as a delegate to the Maine State Democratic Convention in 2008 and as an alternate in 2016. I have also volunteered on various campaigns and initiatives over the years.

Why are you running for office?

I am running for office to be a voice for my district. The citizens of Saco need an advocate in Augusta who values what our community and our state have to offer. We have caring, hard-working people, vibrant local businesses, ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and an unmatched quality of life. I’m a careful listener and a fair-minded collaborator who can bring Saco’s concerns to Augusta, navigate policy issues, and bring information home.

Along with the handful of representatives under the age of 30, I hope to bring a fresh and necessary perspective to state policy outcomes. One of my greatest concerns in seeking office is our economy and where we are going in the next ten to twenty years. It will be my priority to attract skilled and educated young people and make Maine a feasible place for them to work and live. We need to facilitate greater economic opportunity now and for future generations. I want to use my energy and my skill-set to improve the quality of life for the people in my community and for the State of Maine as a whole.

• 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

    According to CNN, Maine’s income tax is the 11th highest in the country. Our sales tax is 29th highest. When CNN ranks total taxes, Maine is second highest. Clearly, tax burdens need to be reduced, and there is some merit to the notion of balancing the sales and income taxes.

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

    I support the Constitution and Second Amendment rights. Reasonable controls are also necessary to keep guns out of the wrong hands. This is a complex and contentious issue that would be best decided in a deliberative fashion by the legislature rather than in a sound bite campaign. However, it will be put to voters in November, and the outcome will reflect the will of the people.

• 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

    I support an increase in the minimum wage. I want to see a living wage for people who are working upwards of 40 hours a week and still struggling to take care of basic needs. This issue will be decided upon by Maine voters in November.

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

    I am in favor of reasonable decriminalization and regulation of the cultivation, use, and sale of marijuana. In November, Maine voters will decide a controversial referendum question on the subject.

• 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?

  • The state can and must do more. Lawmakers must continue efforts at enforcement, treatment, and education. Public awareness has gone a long way to help us come to grips with the crisis. No longer are we ignoring opiate addiction as someone else’s problem.

    To gain ground, we must prioritize the input of healthcare professionals, agencies, and officers who do this work every day. They advocate for treatment and support to help reintegrate people into communities. The legislature must harness their expertise. They can guide the legislature in the direction of success. Maine’s increased awareness and the availability of strong advocates has our state poised for progress on this critical issue.