Emily Trask-Eaton, D-Waldoboro, seeks to represent House District 91, which comprises Friendship, part of Union, Waldoboro and Washington.

I grew up in the fishing village of Bernard on Bass Harbor at the tip of Mount Desert Island. My father was a fisherman, who died of a heart attack at age 52. I was 13 at the time and had four siblings. My mother was a teacher. The family income was cut in half when my father died. Life was always a struggle, financially, but we were no worse off than most of the rest of the community. My mother continued to raise us by herself; we all went on to higher education. I became a business woman and community leader and, finally, physician; my siblings include a genetics researcher at the Jackson Laboratory (the only Maine native to ever work in that capacity), a math and computer teacher, a geologist and a State of Maine DOT designer and researcher.

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

This is a complex issue and really is impossible to answer in a simple questionnaire. The single-most important issue is jobs. Vocational education is important. There is a shortage of trades people, yet there are young people who want to live in Maine and have good jobs in which they can support their families. Tapping into the computer-savvy young generation will play a role. Being open to new ideas and thinking outside of the box is important. The old way of doing things no longer works because it is tied to a factory-based economy. That no longer exists. Young people understand computers and how they can enhance business in a way that the older generation does not.

We need broadband throughout the state.

We need to support local, creative small businesses. Folks who live here and have family here will stick it out, thick or thin, and keep their businesses going. We do not need to send business profits out of state. We need to invest in businesses whose employees will spend their money right here in Maine.

For those who strive to a college education we need programs that encourage our children to stay and work in Maine. Financial rebates to offset college loans could help; full support of the University system so that Maine students have lower college costs would help.

How will you protect the local (municipal) taxpayer as you help shape a state budget?

The state MUST do full municipal revenue sharing. By cutting those funds the local costs of education and town government fall to the property tax. It is shifting the financial burden to municipalities, pure and simple. That penalizes the people who live here, including the lower income folks and seniors.

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

We must promote clean waterways, clean and lo-cost energy and clean land policies.

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

Let's start with our farmlands: farmers are struggling. There is no easy mechanism for them to pass their farms on to young farmers who simple don't have the capital to invest. I would support programs like Land for Maine's Future and other organizations that preserve our land for future generations. In terms of fisheries, I would want decisions to be made that support the current fishermen and take into account their intimate knowledge of the ocean while still looking more long-term to preserve the industry. Mining regulations must protect, not damage the land. Regulations around Canadian loggers working in Maine must be equitable and not put our own workers at a disadvantage.

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

Solar energy is more and more viable every day. It is now possible to lower our energy bills to a few dollars. Unfortunately, the cost of installing solar is out of the reach of many Mainer's and the current rebates will run out—they need to be extended. Furthermore, there is no assurance that the electric companies will continue to buy back the excess energy private systems generate. The state could play a role in addressing both issues. Wind and water power is viable in our state. It was shameful that the governor stopped the plan for off-shore wind for no good reason. The program needs to be revived although I cannot think why the company, who negotiated in good faith, would want to deal with us again.

What is your position on the five citizen initiatives that are before voters Nov. 8?
These are no longer legislative issues. The questions are going to Maine people because the legislature could not, would not or determined itself not to be the right place to decide these issues. I will be casting my votes as a private citizen and would be happy to talk to individuals who are interested in my personal opinions on the initiatives.

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

People feel disenfranchised by the system—and they are. Wages have not increased; health care costs are beyond the reach of many people. The middle class feels left behind—as well they should. We need to focus on the people who hold this economy together.

As a physician, I have seen the good and bad in our health care system. We need to make healthcare more affordable and accessible and we need to make sure that all Mainers who work full time are able to pay their bills and support their families. There are several ways to tackle these issues but, first and foremost, we should accept the Federal funds to expand Medicaid access for almost 70,000 uninsured Mainers. And we need to find ways to help businesses increase wages without putting them in jeopardy.

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?

We need to promote the trades. We have an asset in the young people who want to live and work here in Maine. We have untapped skills and opportunities now in our computer savvy young people who don't just know how to use technology but understand how it can be used to enhance growth and development. We have untapped skills and opportunities in young people who want to stay here and do the kinds of jobs that we need—plumbers, electricians, welders, auto mechanics, fishermen, loggers and even factory workers and, yes, doctors, lawyers, bankers and other professional people.

We need to help students get an education beyond high school without overwhelming debt. We should be expanding the Community College system as a first step to higher education. We need to fully support the University system so tuition can be lower. And we need to support high school Voc/Tech programs so everyone learns basic life skills.

Is Maine doing enough to accommodate the successful assimilation of immigrants?

Immigrants and Refugees are assimilating themselves in spite of the many prejudices they face. For, example, I am delighted by the farming co-operative that the Somali community has developed recently. Maine is benefiting in many ways from their energy and skills;

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.?

The solar bill was a good collaboration of both parties that, ultimately, failed due to the lack of courage. It must pass in the next legislative session.

How would you define "good state government?"

Good State Government doesn't discredit citizens who are less fortunate or who don't have the resources or finances to fully participate in daily life. Good State Government doesn't discredit those who have invisible disabilities or who have don't have the life skills to fully participate in community life. Good State Government doesn't discredit people who don't agree; it finds points of consensus as a starting place and engages everyone who is entitled to participate. Good State Government welcomes the participation of everyone regardless of their sophistication, their education, their financial situation, their opinion and their agreement or disagreement with the issue at hand. Finally, Good State Government invests in its' people and their potential to make sure that everyone can lead healthy, safe, fulfilling lives and contribute to their communities. We All Belong!

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

I love this state and my communities. They are unique. They formed me. They gave me knowledge I didn't know I had. My clarity of thought came from somewhere, but I'm not sure how I got it. I just know it is from Maine. I'm tired of Maine people being discredited. I'm tired of bullying and foul language and privilege over hard work. Maine people work hard and don't expect great wealth. All we want is a roof over our heads, clothing on our backs and food on the table. We need to take care of each other and stop judging. We need to talk civilly and recognize each other's skills and accomplishments.