2004 Candidate Profile Questionnaire

1. Name Alice Knapp

2. Address 4 Alexander Reed Road

3. County Sagadahoc

4. City & Zip Richmond 04357

5. Length of Residence 14.5 years

6. Office Sought Senate

7. District # 19

8. Political Party Independent

9. Home Phone 737-4290

10. Work Phone 737-4603

11. E-mail aknapp@gwi.net

12. Occupation & Employer solo law practice

13. High School attended Arlington Sr. High (NY State)

14. Military Service N/A

15. College/University attended Mt. Holyoke & Bard Colleges

16. Previous/current elected or appointed governmental positions. 2 terms as a member of the Richmond Board of Selectmen, currently Board Chair

17. Previous/current private-sector experience. department store clerk - High School waitress & cook - college & law school circulation manager for a publisher in NYC after college lobbyist for the Maine Chamber of Commerce & Industry after law school 16 months practicing health law with a Bangor firm

18. Reason for seeking office. committed to making a difference, committed to the democratic process, tired of partisan polarization and ideological blinders, tired of political spin and I'm smart, analytical and do my homework so I will be able to effectively analyze bills and policies under consideration and will be able to distinguish between credible information and bullfeathers

	2. Issue Questions

19. What do you think is the ONE (1) most important issue facing the state of Maine? fundamental, structural tax reform

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? promote the development of a vibrant economy, develop strategies to keep housing affordable and maintain the quality of life that brings many of them back home

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) - strategic capital investment

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 - Too high Property Taxes - 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? 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? 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 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? Favor

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?