Name:

Guy Desjardins

Email address

gdesjardinsforsenate@gmail.com

Party affiliation

Democrat

Legislative chamber

Maine Senate

Legislative district

22

Occupation or primary source of income

Elected sheriff, Androscoggin County

Community organizations

Trustee of the Sabattus Water District; member of the Central Maine Community College LE Advisory Committee; past member of the Sabattus Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee; 23-year member of the American Legion Post 153.

Personal information (hobbies, activities etc.)

Enjoying summer activities with my family, which includes boating on Cobbossee Lake, walks with my wife and our 2-year-old Labrador Abbe, shopping and scenic trips around New England. I also hold a federal private pilot license.

Family status

Married

Years in Legislature

0

Are you a Clean Election candidate?

Yes

Committee assignments you want

State and Local Government; Appropriations and Financial Affairs.

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

Yes. I believe health care is a human right for all. Many states that have declined Medicaid expansion are now rethinking their position and realizing the benefits by doing so, financially and improving health services to their citizens. It will bring jobs and insert new dollars into our economy.

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?

No. As a law enforcement officer for 38 years it can only cast confusion on our criminal justice system. If legalizing marijuana is the wish of our society than this issue should fall in the hands of our federal government, not on our state that will only confuse the issue more.

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. We need to reduce our cost of energy and dependency of foreign oil. History has proven the cost of foreign oil is highly unstable at the best of times. If we, as a state, continue to provide incentives we have a chance to control the cost of energy as a state.

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?

$7.50 per hour equals to $300 per week before deductions. Your weekly average unemployment check is $375 per week; no wonder people would rather stay home. I would consider an increase to minimum wage somewhere in the area of $9.50. Minimum wage should not be a deciding factor in staying on unemployment.

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

I have spoken to many voters since last January and the common theme is increased property taxes, public education and health care. There are more concerns out there, a voter’s response to such a question truly depends on their economic status and family situation. Rural seniors worry about medication, food and heat.

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

I have been in public service for most of my adult life. I care about public education, maintaining affordable municipal services and caring for our elderly. President Clinton once said,”We can’t be everything to everyone, but we should be something to someone.” That’s what government should be about, not just the rich.

Describe yourself in a “Tweet”

Dedicated to support family, community and those in need that are less fortunate. Treat our seniors and veterans with respect and dignity.

Republican candidate Garrett Mason of Lisbon did not respond to the Sun Journal’s questionnaire.

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