Penobscot Bay Pilot has posed the same set of questions to each candidate running for the Maine Senate and Legislature, providing the opportunity for the public to better understand their position on issues important to the state. The candidates have responded with written answers, which are posted below, with editing limited primarily to grammatical errors.

Deborah Sanderson is seeking reelection to House District 88: Chelsea, Whitefield, Jefferson and part of Nobleboro

I've lived in Chelsea for 15 years with my partner Steve Whittier. We have a blended family with five children. Over the years I've worked in sales and the healthcare industry and am currently working in the Lobster industry when not serving in the legislature. First elected in 2010, I served on both the criminal justice and public safety and health and human services committees in my first term. For the last 4 years I've served as the ranking republican on the health and human services committee and am also a member of the Government Oversight committee in the present session.

What are the most pressing issues facing Maine today, and how would you like to see them resolved?

While there is a myriad of issues that need to be addressed, the top three in my opinion are Maine's economic outlook, the drug epidemic and continuing to provide adequate funding for our seniors, disabled and children with special needs.

We've seen positive results from both tax and regulatory policy changes implemented 5-6 years ago. The proof of that is our significantly lowered unemployment rate and more importantly, recently being ranked as second in the nation for personal income growth at 4.6 percent. These are all positive indicators that Maine's economy is improving however, there is still much to be done. We still have large industry employers who are struggling to stay here, largely in part to do with the cost of energy in Maine. Also, until this is address it will continue to be difficult to attract new large employers.

How will you protect the local (municipal) taxpayer as you help shape a state budget?
Ideas come forth that seem good until the costs are factored in all the time. Often times, initiatives are presented with small fiscal notes requiring either state or local budgets to implement them within existing resources. Unfortunately, all initiatives take both time and money. Holding State spending to current levels, challenging the efficacy of programs or services to make sure we are getting the best value for your dollars and always being aware that the median income in our state is only about $33-34 thousand dollars a year is a good reminder that many families and individuals just simply cannot afford to have costs driven down the municipal level which is passed on in the form of property taxes.

What policies would you create and promote to build Maine's natural resource-based economy?

As mentioned before, energy costs are having the largest impact on our natural resource economy; specifically, the forest products industry. Maine is one of the most heavily forested states in the nation and has remained so during the times when our forest products industry was very robust. We could still have a robust industry if paper companies weren't footing exceedingly high costs for energy. I would certainly support any policy that would help reduce the cost.

What policies would you create and promote to sustain the natural resources of this state (fisheries, timber, mining)?

We have very robust protections in place for our natural resources; protecting them from overuse. One of the most important issues we may be facing, particularly in the forest industry is another spruce budworm invasion. I would support systematic and selective harvesting of our forests to be able to utilize the product before it is decimated by this pest. This would allow for that resource to not only be utilized but to also prevent natural disaster such as forest fire should the timber be allowed to die and fall in the forest.

What is your position on alternative energy and public investment into it?

All energy sources need to be on the table and yes, including solar. I did vote against the solar bill in the last legislative session however, it was not a vote against solar itself; it was a vote against tying Maine citizens into a long term contract at above market rates which would have had a negative impact on all Maine Rate payers. Our energy portfolio has to be robust and diverse. We should be trying to acquire more hydro and negotiating long term contracts for delivery at below current market rates.

What is your position on the five citizen initiatives that are before voters Nov. 8?

Question 1
I am unsure how I feel about the legalization of marijuana. If the bill had been to just decriminalize it the answer would have been easy however, I've worked very hard on our medial cannabis program and there is a lot of fear out there right now among patients that legalization could have a negative impact like it has in other states who have passed legalization. Hopefully our program is much better crafted and if it passes, will have minimal impact.

Question 2-3% percent surcharge
I am opposed to this legislation. The imposed tax will go directly to the general fund and there is no guarantee that this extra money will actually reach the classroom any more than the 55% school funding has ever been fulfilled. Also, this would add another tax bracket at 10.15% making us the second highest taxed state in the nation; second to California. Most of Maine small business owners file as individuals. With both this initiative and the increase in the minimum wage initiative, Maine's small business owners are looking at getting hit with a double whammy.

Question-3 background checks
I am adamantly opposed to this initiative. It serves no purpose since we are one of the safest states in the nation with one of the highest levels of firearm ownership. I've discussed this with several people and unfortunately most are not aware of the details, (which is where the devil tends to dwell in language like this) They don't understand that they can no longer have their neighbor stop by and drop off that rifle they have borrowed for a week of hunting like they have in years passed. This legislation has the very real potential to create a scenario where law abiding individuals unknowingly break the law putting their right to own a firearm in jeopardy for the rest of their life.

Question-4
No. Minimum wage is being confused with a living wage. It was never meant to be a living wage, merely and entry level wage. Imagine how many of our youth looking to find a summer job to help pay for college will now not be able to find one.

While we hear a lot about losing the tip credit which will surely have an impact on the food service industry in Maine, one area no one is talking about is our healthcare industry. A majority of funding for healthcare services are in the form of public dollar reimbursements. Last session we were able to come up with an extra $4 million dollars for home health services. HHS agencies are struggling to attract and retain trainable or skilled workers to help Maine citizens in their homes. If the minimum wage is increased, the ripple effect across the entire healthcare industry when reimbursements do not keep up with the wage demands could be catastrophic.

Question 5 Ranked Choice voting (RCV)
Maine's Attorney general Janet Mills has put out a six-page letter weighing in on the issue and agree there are significant constitutional challenges. On top of that, while this is being sold as a measure to reach a majority in Maines elections, nowhere in the language is the word majority. That means after all the convoluted calculations and exhausted ballots are taken into consideration, you could still end up election our officials with less than a majority of the total ballots cast. A good example of that is the Portland Mayors race in 2011. With a total of 19,728 ballots cast in the election, the winner, after 14 rounds of counting won with 9,061 votes. Almost 3,500 ballots were not counted in the total vote count because they were considered "exhausted".

What issues are emerging from your conversations with the public as you go about your campaign, and what solutions do you envision?

My constituents are very pleased with the welfare reforms that have begun to take shape providing greater accountability in our social services safety net. Beyond that, what most people are outraged by is the flow of special interests coming from out of state and trying to inject their beliefs into what they call, "our Maine way of life" via the citizen initiative process. I've had several people ask if there is any way to change our constitution to reserve it for Maine people wanting to make change within our state. It's an issue that I am very willing to look at but it's also one that must be addressed very carefully in order to not run the risk of silencing Maine people.

A recent Maine Dept. of Labor report indicates the work force will get even older, and more jobs will require post-secondary education. How will you work to build a knowledge-based economy when so many of Maine high school graduates do not seek higher education?

A good first step has already been made by bringing back trade training in our schools. While secondary education is wonderful, we cannot forget that many of our students are more interested in learning a trade, plumbing, construction and welding just to name three examples. We have employers who are looking for skilled labor in these fields. Also, I continue to go back too regulatory, energy and tax reform to make Maine more attractive to businesses. We are geographically challenged on the national map so it's vital that we have something to offer such as a low cost of doing business to draw high paying employers in.

Is Maine doing enough to accommodate the successful assimilation of immigrants?
Maine is doing as much as should be done. If there is a bottle neck in the system, it is at the federal level with excessive time delays in processing paperwork for these individuals so they can legally go to work.

What is the best legislative activity that has occurred in Augusta over the last six years. This does not have to mean legislative action, but can include collaboration, research, etc.

There are many high points from the last six years but unfortunately, the press choses to print and report where the large disagreements lie. Both republicans and democrats have come to the table on important issues like domestic abuse, regulatory reform and most recently, the opioid prescribing bill that passed last spring. The opioid prescription bill was a collaboration of the executive branch, pharmacists, Maine Medical Association and physicians in partnership with the legislature to pass landmark legislation. Issues like this are something to be very proud of. Unfortunately, the impression the general public gets from the media is that we are constantly fighting against each other and not working for the Maine people. While there are issues that we just cannot agree on, the vast majority of work done in the people's House of this state is done in a meaningful, collaborative manner.

How would you define "good state government?"

Good State government is one that recognizes who they work for. We work for the citizens of Maine; not the other way around. Good state government understands it's role and that it cannot be everything to everyone but we do have important roles in supporting individuals with specific vulnerabilities who just cannot do for themselves. It understands that our function is in providing for infrastructure, economic policies which balance the needs for development and environment and a strong public safety system.

Is there any other topic or issue you'd like to talk about here? Have at it!

One question you haven't asked is in regard to our social services program for Maine citizens. You covered immigrants but you didn't ask about our most vulnerable citizens. While much is said in the media that is negative regarding policy initiatives from the DHHS, here's the rest of the story:

Since 2011 the current administration has invested and additional $90 Million into nursing facilities. An increase of 47% to help prevent additional closures. This is vital in order to keep our seniors cared for in their communities near family, elderly spouses and friends.

Since 2011 Hone Health agency reimbursements have increased; keeping Maine people in their homes which is much more cost effective than having to reside in a facility. In 2011 the total reimbursement was $29 million a year. Projected for 2017 is $47 million a year.

Since 2011 reimbursements for services to folks with developmental disabilities has increased by $70 million, a 25% increase. While that is a good start, there is still much more that needs to be done for these people.

We cannot continue to bypass the people who so desperately need these services. For years they have either languished on a wait list or lived in fear that their home health aide just might not show up some day to help get them out of bed and ready for the day. These folks are where we still need to make significant investments in order to ensure they are cared for appropriately.

While this is getting lengthy it's also important to note: When the DHHS implemented modest federal work requirements for the SNAP program for single individuals ages 19-45, there was much written in the papers in opposition to it however, many of these folks have been followed by the department via the department of labor. Most of these people who lost their SNAP benefits are now working and making more money than they did on public assistance benefits.