Office Sought: Representative – District 67
Age: 68
Occupation: State representative
Education: Associate Degree in Science
Family: Ernie Austin, 4 children, 11 grandchildren
Hometown: Gray
Political experience
I served the people of Maine in the House for eight years terming out in 2010. In 2014 I felt that I had more to give to the many issues that our state and our people were facing. I won the seat to serve the people of the newly formed District 67. I was fortunate to return to the Commerce Research Economic Development Committee which was a continuum of my previous eight years of committee work. We have had a very challenging Term on that committee and I have a strong desire to return to that work for another term. It has fascinating yet serious issues and I think I bring a sensible head to the table.
Previous to serving at the state level I served on the Gray New Gloucester School Board, the Gray Town Council and the Pineland Center Conversion Committee. For years I have been involved in the Gray-New Gloucester Optimist Club, The Liberty Family Foundation, Gray-New Gloucester Summer Meal’s Program, Crystal Lake Ice Fishing Derby, as a Maine Wildlife Park advocate and St. Gregory’s Parish in leadership roles
Gray Town Council
Why are you running for office?
I am running to help people. This seat affords a representative the opportunity to engage, assist, reach out to and enrich the condition of people, young and old. In some cases the stakes to help are very high and often quite critical. In other cases the smallest gesture of assistance means everything on that particular day to that individual. There are constituent’s personal challenges and there are state financial/policy initiatives that need weighty, critical thinking with valued decisions. I have been able to give my time and my attention to these things and desire to continue to work for Maine’s future.
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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?
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Background Checks: Do you support background checks for privately sold firearms in Maine?
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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?
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Marijuana: Do you support legalization of marijuana for recreational use?
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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?
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