1. 2006 Candidate Profile Questionnaire

1. Name H David Cotta

2. Identifying Number (from your letter)

3. Address 55 53rd Fire Rd

4. City & Zip China

5. County Kennebec

6. Length of Residence Native

7. Office Sought House

8. District # 55

9. Political Party R

10. Home Phone 207 445 4067

11. Work Phone Empty

12. E-mail hdcotta@pivot.net

13. Occupation & Employer Retired Military

14. Military Service Yes

15. High School attended Cony

16. College/University attended Embry-Riddle

17. Previous/Current private sector experience Small business owner

18. Previous/Current elected or appointed governmental positions. None

	2. Issue Questions

19. What do you think is the ONE (1) most important issue facing the state of Maine? Insuring efficiency in State spending and eliminating waste may preclude the need for additional taxes and improve the quality of existing programs.

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? To stem the exodus of Maine’s youth and prime work force, job opportunities must exist in the State. This would be a long-term goal and there are no short-term remedies. “Quick fix” does not apply to systemic problems. Maine must develop a business friendly environment because unpredictability in the State’s quest for additional funding makes business reluctant to locate and invest in Maine’s economy. Correcting this by performance would start the road to recovery.

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 75% of shortfall by cutting programs & services and 25% 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? $1-5

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

27. Would you support increasing unemployment compensation program (UI) benefits if those changes resulted in an UI tax increase? I need to understand Maine's UI program and taxes better.

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? Agree

29. Do you favor legislation that would require companies to give part-time and temporary employees the same benefits as full-time employees? Not Sure

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"? Oppose

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

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