2006 Candidate Profile Questionnaire

1. Name Michael Thibodeau

2. Identifying Number (from your letter)

3. Address 169 Coles Corner Rd.

4. City & Zip Winterport 04496

5. County Waldo

6. Length of Residence 40

7. Office Sought House

8. District # 42

9. Political Party R

10. Home Phone 223-5177

11. Work Phone 941-9859

12. E-mail Mthibmyrep@aol.com

13. Occupation & Employer Self-Employed Construction Firm Owner

14. Military Service Empty

15. High School attended Hampden Academy

16. College/University attended Empty

17. Previous/Current private sector experience Owner and Vice President of Vaughn Thibodeau & Sons, Inc. for 20 years employing over 175 men and women in Central and Downeast Maine.

18. Previous/Current elected or appointed governmental positions. Former Selectmen for the Town of Winterport.

	2. Issue Questions

19. What do you think is the ONE (1) most important issue facing the state of Maine? Poor business climate.

20. The most recent 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? I believe that by reducing corporate income taxes and encouraging business-friendly State agencies, we will be able to create jobs and encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship.

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) Paying off the state debt Refund excess taxes to taxpayers

23. For every $100 of sales, about how much profit do you think the average Maine business makes? $1-5

24. Do you think the current level of state and local taxes and fees paid by Maine citizens is: Income Taxes - Much too high Property Taxes - Much too high Sales Taxes - Too high Excise Taxes - Much too high Various Fees - Much too high

25. Maine’s top corporate income tax is 8.93%, one of the highest in the country. 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 corporate tax burden on Maine employers? Strongly favor

26. Most businesses in Maine pay taxes on business income through their individual income tax returns (especially small businesses)and Maine has one of the highest marginal tax rates on personal income. Do you favor reducing the tax burden for these Maine employers in order to fuel job growth? Strongly favor

27. Would you support increasing unemployment compensation program (UI) benefits if those changes resulted in an UI tax increase? No, the UI program and benefits are adequate.

28. In 1993 the legislature reformed Maine’s workers’ compensation system. Since that time those reforms have resulted in significant reductions in workers’ compensation loss cost rate for Maine employers. Yet Maine is still ranked as having the 14th highest workers’ compensation premiums 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? Strongly agree

29. Do you favor legislation that would require companies to give part-time and temporary employees the same benefits as full-time employees? No

30. In 2006 legislation was introduced to establish a minimum wage concept referred to as "Liveable Wages." State government would determine annually what wage levels are "liveable wages." Do you support state government mandating a "livable wage"? Strongly oppose

31. Do you support privatizing public services wherever a cost-benefit analysis indicates savings for Maine taxpayers while maintaining or improving service delivery? Strongly favor

32. Do you favor legislation that imposes new mandates and penalties on companies that receive state economic development assistance or contract with the state for delivery of services? Strongly oppose

33. How do you feel Maine has done in creating laws and regulations to protect the environment? Are they: Too strict

34. With respect to Maine's environment, which approach would you support if elected?