Thomas Benjamin Saviello

Republican

Office Sought: Senator – District 17
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired
Education: BS Forestry, MS Agronomy, PhD Forest Resources
Family: Partner
Hometown: Wilton

Political experience

Locally I have served as a selectmen an school bd. member.
I have served 8 years in the Maine House of Representatives.
I have served 6 years in the Maine State Senate.

Why are you running for office?

Public service is everyone’s responsibility. Running for as serving as a State Senator is my way accomplishing this responsibility. It is my hope and prayer when I finish as a Senator I have made District 17 a better place to live, work and play.

• 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

    In my District the big concern is property tax relief. I will support any tax changes that can reduce property tax.

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

    I have taken an oath as a legislator to support and uphold the Maine Constitution. I would violate my oath if I voted yes. “The Maine Constitution says Maine Citizens have the right to bear arms and this right shall never be questioned.” I believe a written this petition the Constitution; therefore I must vote no. I do agree with the concept and would support it if I did not think it was unconstitutional.

• 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

    I strongly believe the minimum wage needs to be increase. I have voted for these increases in the past. Unfortunately this bill goes too far. I believe the wage should be $10 per hour. (That is what we pay in our small business.) I believe also there should be a training wage and a student wage. Neither of these two concepts are addressed in the citizen’s petition. If the wage was lower and the student wage/training wage been included I would support the bill.

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

    I have not decided yet.

    I am very concerned as there is no effective test for checking impairment from using marijuana. This bill is not clear on how were are going to keep out of schools etc.

    But let’s be straight on this petition… Marijuana is already being used in the Maine so let’s regulate it and collect taxes on sales and consumption.

• 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. At the state level we continue to fight over enforcement vs treatment. This needs to stop. If we are going to conquer the addiction problem we must cut off the supply, enforce the laws, provide treatment, education and counseling. All 5 need equal attention and funding. Then we will have a chance to significantly effect the crsis we are faced with.