James Gillway is seeking the House District 98 seat, which comprises Frankfort, Swanville, Searsport, Winterport.

I am James Gillway and I am 52 years old. I have lived in Searsport for the past 30 years with my wife, Bobbie Jo, where we raised our three sons. They are all adults now and living in the area with their families. I have two wonderful granddaughters. I started my service career as a Winterport Constable and a Patrol Deputy for the Waldo County Sheriff's Department. I transferred to the Searsport Police Department 29 years ago and became the Chief of Police. While Chief, I was granted two leave of absences to participate in International Police Missions in Kosovo and Iraq. I am now the Searsport Town Manager and have held that position for almost twelve years. I have served in the Maine State Legislature for the last six years. My experience and commitment to the people and towns of District 98 inspires me to continue.

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

I feel the biggest problem in every district in Maine is the opioid epidemic. We need to make sure that we are doing everything possible to help our neighbors avoid falling into this life-ending epidemic. Our greatest strength is our neighbors. We are a strong, resilient, and hard working population. We can solve our problems if we all work together.

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

Being a Town Manager, I fully understand the needs of the local tax payer. It was the raid on revenue sharing that took place eight years ago along with some other tax shifting policy decisions that inspired me to run for this office. I remain a defender of municipal government. The closer the government is to the taxpayer, the more responsible it is with their money. I bring that common sense attitude to Augusta now.

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

I believe we need to invest in off shore wind energy and stop destroying our mountaintops and view sheds with industrial wind. I am a very strong supporter of the work being done by the University of Maine in off shore wind. We have more than enough energy in the Gulf of Maine to power this entire State. The University of Maine has studied this potential for years and is in the process of proving the science necessary to harness the energy and bring it to us. Searsport's port is known as the wind energy import port for Maine. I would love to see us exporting offshore wind developed and built by Maine.

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

My record in Augusta shows my support for fisheries and responsible and sustainable timber harvesting promoted by the professional logging association. I did not support the expansion of mining in Maine. We have several failed mining ventures in our area. Until the State of Maine and the industry can find a way forward, with new rules protecting the environment, that can ensure that the natural environment and waters of Maine are protected, I cannot support it.

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

I believe all forms energy production should be explored. I supported the Solar Bill. As stated in an earlier question, I support the expansion of off shore wind.

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

I feel that all five of the citizen's initiatives should be rejected. Each of them have flaws that will create harm to the citizens of Maine. The unintended consequences that can be found in each of these is not worth the harm they create.

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

Many people are concerned about their property taxes and the opioid crisis and burden. I have defended revenue sharing and have supported policies that protect municipalities ability to get the job done. Every year, politicians in Augusta propose laws that simply shift the tax burden from the state to the towns. I always work to defeat the proposals that hurt the property tax payers. As for the opioid crisis, I support a three step approach to the opioid crisis: Educate, Enforce, Provide Treatment. Without all three we will not succeed.

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?

In the 127th Legislature, I was able to get LD 1277 passed. This law created a magnet school for Marine Science, Technology, Transportation and Engineering. We do have to deliver a complete report to the 128th Legislature on February 15, 2017. I am dedicated to seeing this school completed so our youth can learn the skills to obtain good jobs that allow them to live in Maine. Our vision is to provide pathways for students to either head to higher education or to the marine workforce. This is my top priority.

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

I think Maine does a very good job with this topic. I believe our Federal government needs to do everything possible to properly investigate the people entering the country to ensure our safety. When I was in Iraq, I helped recruit police officers for service. Adequate background checking in a third world country is very difficult.

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.

Over the past six years many good things have occurred in Augusta. We did a lot with regulatory reform and income tax reform and reduction. One of the best things that happened was our paying off the long owed hospital debt. I was glad to see the aforementioned efforts; but, I am extremely proud of the efforts that have been made to support our military veterans over the past six years.

How would you define "good state government?"

I define "good state government" as being a government that can complete its obligations to the people and is supportive of its local municipalities. It is great to have a state that produces legislation that protects our residents but not at the expense of individual freedoms. We all need to be aware that state tax reform cannot continue to mean a tax shift to local government and in turn to our property tax payers.

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

I encourage my fellow candidates to be civil with each other.