By Rep. Peter Edgecomb(R-Caribou)
This article reveals the results of the questionnaire that was mailed to Caribou constituents recently. Most of the responses made it clear to me which way I needed to vote on issues. It would be impossible to poll citizens on the nearly 2,000 bills that were considered this session which is expected to end by June 13th. I thank you for your support and for returning more than 300 surveys with many written comments.
Should minors be prohibited from purchasing energy drinks? 66 percent Yes 34 percent No
Do you believe same-sex couples should be allowed to marry in Maine? 19 percent Yes 81 percent No
As a means of providing increased protection for victims of domestic violence, do you believe that a person convicted of domestic abuse should be required to wear an electronic monitoring device as a condition of bail and/or probation? 82 percent Yes 18 percent No
Would you support allowing school administrative units to use an alternative school calendar, such as a four-day week, if they ensure that the amount of student instruction is equivalent to a traditional school calendar? 57 percent Yes 43 percent No
Currently state employees do not contribute to their personal health insurance premiums. Would you be in favor of requiring state employees to pay a portion of their health insurance costs? 86 percent Yes 14 percent No
Is it right for a person to be eligible for municipal general assistance without first establishing Maine residency? 7 percent Yes 93 percent No
Do you believe Maine residents should have the option to purchase their health insurance from out-of-state providers? 94 percent Yes 6 percent No
In cases of domestic abuse, should a court be permitted to issue a permanent protection from abuse order? 87 percent Yes 13 percent No
Do you feel that reducing the size of the State Legislature, resulting in fewer but larger legislative districts, would have a positive impact on the State of Maine? 50 percent Yes 50 percent No
Should the use of handheld cellular devices while operating a motor vehicle be prohibited? 69 percent Yes 31 percent No
Over 80 percent of Maine households are dependent on heating oil. A bill has been introduced that may impose up to a five-cents-per-gallon tax on heating oil. Would you be in favor of this tax in order to provide funding for a state-run government energy efficiency program? 12 percent Yes 88 percent No
High-speed broadband Internet access has been identified as a key to grow the Maine economy and jobs. Do you think Maine is making acceptable progress in expanding high-speed broadband Internet access? 54 percent Yes 46 percent No
The school consolidation plan was part of the 2008-2009 state budget and intended to reduce administrative costs with an estimated savings of $66.4 million in the second year of the 08-09 budget cycle. Now in the 124th Legislature, a proposal has been introduced to repeal the laws governing the consolidation of school administrative units. Is this a measure you would support? 52 percent Yes 48 percent No
Do you believe people should be prohibited from purchasing carbonated beverages and candy with Food Stamps? 85 percent Yes 15 percent No
Should parental permission be required in order for prescription drugs to be dispensed to persons less than 15 years of age? 95 percent Yes 5 percent No
Do you believe hospitals should be mandated to report rates of hospital-acquired infections? 95 percent Yes 5 percent No
Should smoking be prohibited on public beaches and in public parks? 67 percent Yes 33 percent No
Should Sunday hunting be allowed if it required written landowner permission and a $25 permit fee? 24 percent Yes 76 percent No
Rep. Edgecomb can be reached by mail at 132 Baird Road, Caribou ME 04736; by home phone, 496-3188; by Statehouse phone, (207) 287-1440; or via e-mail at pedgecom@maine.rr.com
