2004 Candidate Profile Questionnaire
1. Name
Bill Diamond
2. Address
261 Windham Center Road
3. County
Cumberland
4. City & Zip
Windham 04062
5. Length of Residence
31 years
6. Office Sought
Senate
7. District #
12
8. Political Party
Democrat
9. Home Phone
207.892.8941
10. Work Phone
saa
11. E-mail
diamondhollyd@aol.com
12. Occupation & Employer
self & other
13. High School attended
Gardiner Area High School
14. Military Service
Empty
15. College/University attended
Gorham State Teachers College, University of Souther Maine, University of New England
16. Previous/current elected or appointed governmental positions.
House of Representatives, Maine Senate, Secretary of State
17. Previous/current private-sector experience.
Founded, owned and sold several small businesses since 1980: Suburban Security, Inc. Security Personnel Training, Inc. The Suburban News, Inc. Windham Quick Printing, Inc. Maine Street Mortgage, Inc. American Home Appraisals, Inc. Bill Diamond Associates
18. Reason for seeking office.
Like many Maine citizens I'm frustrated with the inaction of the past legislature. Both political parties, especially those in leadership, have participated in partisan bickering to an unprecidented level. Critical issues failed to be properly addressed because of the entrenched partisans of both parties.
2. Issue Questions
19. What do you think is the ONE (1) most important issue facing the state of Maine?
Finding a solution to address the high property tax burden which faces both individual homeowners and businesses.
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?
State government can be a catalyst by assisting/encouraging buisnesses to create intern programs directed at the interest of this demogarphic.
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 100% of shortfall by cutting programs/services
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
Other (please specify) - Assisting with goal of reducing property taxes
23. For every $100 of sales, about how much profit do you think the average Maine business makes?
$5-10
24. Do you think the current level of taxes paid by Maine citizens is :
Income Taxes - Much too high
Property Taxes - Much too high
Sales Taxes - About right
Excise Taxes - Too high
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?
Strongly favor
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?
Oppose
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?
Agree
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?
Strongly 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
Empty
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)?
Oppose
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
34. Do you support a full-time legislature?