Maine Senate candidate Jonathan Fulford: Investing in the majority
Jonathan Fulford (D-Monroe) is seeking election to the Maine Senate, where he would represent the 26 municipalities of Waldo County. He is facing incumbent Sen. Michael Thibodeau (R-Winterport).
Why are you running for elected office, and why the state Senate?
I am running for office because I have grandchildren and I am concerned about their future and, by extension, all of our futures. I decided to run for the State Senate because it looked like the best opportunity to change the direction of our society and the way we approach solving problems.
What issues would you want to tackle first in Augusta? Will you be bringing any bills with you?
Some of the issues I will tackle first are: lowering property taxes by creating a more fair tax structure, improving access to health care, supporting the growth of small businesses and farms, and increasing energy efficiency and our use of renewable energies. Yes, I will have bills to submit this session.
How does health care in the state stack up right now?
We have a lot of work to do to improve health care in our state. Our medical system is set up to address the symptoms of illness instead of the causes. This approach is expensive and often addresses health problems too late. We have the knowledge and the resources to support optimal health among our citizens through nutrition, healthy lifestyle choices, and preventative care. We need to focus our energy to make this a priority. Part of this will require expanding MaineCare or, ideally, creating a universal health care system. We also need to expand and improve our home health care system for the elderly and disabled.
You have voiced support for expanding Medicaid, which would entitle Maine to large amount of federal money in the early going. How would Maine pay for these benefits after the federal funding expires in 2020?
Several recent studies have shown that expanding MaineCare will stimulate the economy, add jobs, and reduce the cost of care. These benefits will more than pay for the 10% cost that the state will need to pick up.
Can the state do more to promote tourism?
Yes, Maine has a unique identity that can be better promoted. Anywhere you travel in the country, when you tell people that you are from Maine, their eyes light up and they are interested. We are known for quality, integrity, hard work, independence, dry humor, the natural beauty of our lakes, rivers and forests, and the most unique and beautiful coastline in all of the Unites States. Maine can partner with businesses to promote our farms and food, manage our fisheries and forests, and preserve our natural areas for recreation.
Do you support an increase in the state's minimum wage?
Yes, I support increasing the minimum wage to at least $10.10/ hour. The minimum wage needs to keep pace with the cost of living. Local economies will grow when people earn more and spend more. Increasing the minimum wage stimulates the economy, increases revenue for the state, reduces the use of welfare and government assistance, and maintains or increases the number of jobs in the economy.
How do you feel about the current status of Municipal Revenue Sharing and state funding for education?
We need to restore all of the 70% of revenue sharing that was cut in 2011 and fully fund the schools at the 55% that was mandated twice by the voters. The cuts to Municipal Revenue Sharing and state funding for education were a direct result of the income tax cut of 2011. Large property tax increases followed as towns fought to maintain basic services and schools. This was the largest Tax Shift in state history, causing an overall increase in taxes on the middle class, working class, and those on a fixed income. This Tax Shift benefited the wealthiest 5% at the expense of the rest of us. It cost us jobs and damaged our economy. We must fix this mistake through fair tax reform and fair funding of towns and schools.
Successful government is successful legislation. What is your willingness to work across party lines to bring about successful legislation?
As a father, builder, and small business owner, I have learned that the way to get peoples’ best thinking and commitment to solving problems is through listening with respect to everyone. This helps create an environment where ideas can freely flow and new and unique solutions to challenging problems can be found. We all have something to contribute and we all have a stake in success. I am willing to work with anyone who is working in the best interests of all of Waldo County and Maine.
Make a comment about your opponent.
I appreciate that he has run a campaign that has focused on the issues and has been free from personal attacks.
What else would you like to tell voters?
As I’ve traveled all across Waldo County, knocking on over 8,000 doors, I have heard peoples’ concerns about the future. People are worried and people are angry about the injustices they see around them. The fraud and abuse of our system - from the top to the bottom, the enormous disparity of wealth in our country, and the environmental problems we are facing must all be addressed. We have the knowledge and the resources to tackle these problems head on. We just need to decide to do it now. Solving these problems will create a stronger, more resilient economy. I ask you to join me in creating the prosperous future that we all want. Please vote on Nov 4th.
Contact Jonathan Fulford at (207) 808-0507, or visit these sites for more information:
