Name:

Paul Gilbert

Email address

pegilbert@hotmail.com

Party affiliation

Democratic

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Legislative chamber

Maine House

Legislative district

74

Occupation or primary source of income

Retired

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Community organizations

American Legion, George Bunton Post 10; AMVETs, Lane-Dube Post 33; Knights of Columbus, Council 320; North Jay Grange #10; Western Maine Community Action Board of Directors; Jay-Niles Memorial Library Board of Directors; Good Neighbors Emergency Fuel Fund Committee; MSEA/SEIU Local 1989 Retirees

Personal information (hobbies, activities etc.)

Reading, walks, movies, camp

Family status

Married

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Years in Legislature

6

Are you a Clean Election candidate?

Yes

Committee assignments you want

Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development; Committee on Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future.

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Would you support expanding the state’s Medicaid program, MaineCare? Why or why not?

Definitely, yes. This would provide medical coverage for 70,000 uninsured Maine residents, would provide hundreds of additional job opportunities in Maine and would improve Maine’s economy statewide; 100 percent of the cost would be borne by the federal government and reducing to 90 percent by the Feds in future years.

Should Maine follow the city of Portland’s lead and legalize the possession of limited amounts of marijuana for adults over the age of 21? Why or why not?

Although legalization would provide regulation for the substance and it would provide needed revenues, this issue should be decided by Maine voters.

Should the state of Maine continue to provide incentives for businesses and homeowners to convert or diversify energy sources to those considered renewable, like solar, wind and geothermal?

Yes.

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Maine’s minimum wage is $7.50 an hour. As a state lawmaker would you support increasing that minimum wage? If so, what should Maine’s minimum wage be?

Yes. 2009 was the last year the minimum wage was increased. Minimum wage earners spend their money locally and the ripple effect would help locally. I support what’s currently being proposed —  $10.10 per hour — and I support indexing it to inflation to end this perennial legislative argument that hurts low-wage earners.

What issue is the most important to voters in your legislative district?

The need for jobs with a living wage and benefits, support for good educational opportunities and issues relating to seniors, the disabled and the disadvantaged.

What about you makes you the man or woman for the job?

Experience. I believe in giving back to community and have done that for more than 40 years. Since serving in the U.S. Army from 1965-68, I have served my community in elective office, on appointed committees, and other volunteer opportunities, and I continue to serve on several boards in western Maine.

Describe yourself in a “Tweet”

Lifelong resident of the Jay-Livermore-Livermore Falls community who is available, listens and works for those who reside here.

Republican candidate C. Calden of Jay did not respond to the Sun Journal’s questionnaire.


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