2004 Candidate Profile Questionnaire

1. Name Jeanne M. Cameron

2. Address 3561 Route 2, PO Box 97

3. County Aroostook

4. City & Zip Smyrna 04780

5. Length of Residence 15 years

6. Office Sought House

7. District # 9

8. Political Party Democrat

9. Home Phone 757-8754

10. Work Phone ********

11. E-mail healthyliving@pivot.net

12. Occupation & Employer Community Living Association, Activity Coordinator

13. High School attended Yarmouth High School

14. Military Service Empty

15. College/University attended Southern Maine Technical College

16. Previous/current elected or appointed governmental positions. Southern Aroostook Community School Board Representative

17. Previous/current private-sector experience. member Catalyst Committee for Empowerment Zone Comprehensive Planning Committee Smryna/Merrill Board of Trustees Milliken Medical Center Southern Aroostook Tobacco Outreach project Committee work for Development of the Maine Learning Results

18. Reason for seeking office. To represent the collective conscience of the Southern Aroostook/Northern Penobscot community in our efforts to secure an effective, efficient government, that is responsible and accountable, promoting assurance of access and availability of essential health and educational services and programs, as supported by a strong business economy, to benefit all the people of the state of Maine.

	2. Issue Questions

19. What do you think is the ONE (1) most important issue facing the state of Maine? The level of taxation

20. The 2000 Federal Census shows that 22 % of Maine’s youth between the ages of 20-34 have left the state since 1990 to seek opportunity elsewhere. The national average out-migration for this age group is only 5%. If elected, what do you think state government can do to help keep our youth and prime workforce here in Maine? Listen to the young people. Support the growth and development of the kinds of businesses they are suggesting, tech., activities to do, jobs for youth. Other than that, don't worry about this age group so much, economic growth needs to attract the 25-45 year old age group ready to settle down with their families. We are a good state to raise chldren in.

21. The constitution of Maine requires a balanced budget. If the state faces a budget shortfall, what do you think the Legislature should do? Obtain 50 % of shortfall by cutting programs & services and 50% by raising taxes & fees

22. If the state of Maine has a budget surplus, what would be your top two priorities? (select two) Setting aside in "rainy day" fund for future budget crisis Paying off the state debt

23. For every $100 of sales, about how much profit do you think the average Maine business makes? $25-50

24. Do you think the current level of taxes paid by Maine citizens is : Income Taxes - About right Property Taxes - About right Sales Taxes - About right Excise Taxes - About right

25. Maine’s top corporate income tax is 8.93%, one of the highest in the county. A report released by the research firm Ernst & Young in January 2004 ranks Maine as having the highest State and Local business taxes per dollar of capital income (tax burden) in the country at 24.4%. Do you favor reducing the tax burden on Maine employers? Oppose

26. In the past, Maine unemployment compensation tax rates have led to deficits in the unemployment compensation trust fund. In light of deficits, would you support raising the unemployment compensation tax on employers? Favor

27. In 1993 the legislature reformed Maine’s workers’ compensation system. Since that time those reforms have resulted in more than a 43% reduction in workers’ compensation loss cost rate for Maine employers. Yet Maine is still ranked as having the 46th highest workers’ compensation costs in the country. Do you believe Maine must reduce workers’ compensation costs further so that Maine moves closer to the national median for these costs? Disagree

28. Do you favor legislation that requires companies to give part-time and temporary employees all the same benefits (including health benefits, vacation, sick time, etc.) received by regular, full-time employees? Oppose

29. If you favor legislation that requires companies to give part-time and temporary employees the same benefits as full-time employees, how would you fund such a mandate This would be an unfunded mandate, hence, my opposition to it. A universal health-care would alleviate this need imposed on businesses.

30. If the Legislature requires companies to give part-time and temporary employees the same benefits as full-time employees, what do you think the impact on Maine businesses would be? Severe

31. Do you support changes in the state minimum wage above the median for all states? Oppose

32. Do you support indexing the state minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index (CPI)? Favor

33. Do you support privatizing public services wherever a cost-benefit analysis indicates savings for Maine tax-payers while maintaining or improving service delivery? Favor