Frank Stanley, (R-Tremont) seeks to represent District 134 — Cranberry Isles, Deer Isle, Frenchboro, Marshall Island, Southwest Harbor, Stonington, Swans Island, Tremont, Isle au Haut, North Haven, Vinalhaven — in the Maine House of Representatives. He is running against Walter Kumiega (D-Little Deer Isle).

PBP: What are the three most pressing issues facing Maine today, and how would you like to see them resolved?
It’s hard to tell what the three most pressing issues are in the state are. It depends on who you talk to. What I am hearing is jobs, taxes and drug abuse.  On the subject of jobs I feel we need to encourage expansion, to our small businesses where possible in order to provide more employment possibly through bond initiatives. To attract new businesses we need to find a way to reduce energy costs to make Maine more attractive.  On Taxes , I feel we can start by being more fiscally responsible, reforming the welfare system, reduce the size of state government and restructuring our educational and DHHS system. On Drugs we could focus more on the distribution of controlled substances. Harsher penalties for repeat traffickers, expand our Drug Court alternative sentencing program and in some cases hold professionals more  responsible .

How will you protect the local (municipal) taxpayer as you attempt to help shape a state budget? 
I would protect the local taxpayer by spending there money as if I were spending my own. Acquiring the necessary and avoiding the extras.

How will you work to keep Maine's fisheries vital and productive?
Keeping Maine’s fisheries vital and productive has many facets. I would like to see Maine continue to take steps  towards replenishing our ground fisheries and shrimp population. The lobster industry is enjoying some good times now. I feel this will cycle through as most everything does. The lobster fishermen are there own best assets.

How do you envision Cranberry Isles, Deer Isle, Frenchboro, Marshall Island, Southwest Harbor, Stonington, Swans Island, Tremont, Isle au Haut, North Haven, Vinalhaven in 5 years? What do the schools/education look like? What does the economy look like? What does the population look like?
I would like to see lower energy costs to the outer islands and elsewhere in the next five years. The outer island life is much different than the Bridge Islands where we know roads are a concern.

Do you support building a natural gas infrastructure (pipeline) through the region?
I support natural gas but I am not sure if I would support a pipeline at this time. I would need to study this proposal closer.

What is your position on alternative energy and state investment into it?
My position on alternative energy for state energy  purposes would not include wind or solar. I don’t believe either one could sustain itself over a long period of time. We may need to explore natural gas, Hydro (state owned) or Nuclear.

What is your position of legalizing marijuana?
Legalizing marijuana should simply be a referendum to put before the voters of the State of Maine. I have no preference. There are so many pros and cons. I do however strongly support medicinal Marijuana.

What issues are emerging from your conversations with the public as you go about your campaign, and what solutions do you envision?
The biggest issue I have from my campaign is about the Lobster licensing process.   This is a very sensitive subject and I don’t have a solution to it.

Is Maine a nanny state? What is your position on welfare reform?
I believe that our welfare system is so easy to get into that it becomes a way of life for some people. We have made it cost efficient to collect welfare benefits and stay home, especially when children are involved, than to seek employment. The welfare system is in desperate need of an overhaul. Lets make this program palatable to all Mainers. 

 Please feel free to expand or add any thoughts here that we have not touched upon.
I have one comment on the availability of a lobster license. I think getting school age children into lobstering is a great idea. They are our future and we need to encourage them.  But I sympathize with the Thirty something year old has been a stern man for fifteen years who cant get his license, and has a family to support. This leaves him with an endless road with no way to advance in his career. And when you live off shore this is a big concern.