Two candidates are competing for the District 6 seat in the Maine Senate, representing Gorham, Scarborough and Westbrook. The following surveys were completed by the candidates.

 Philip L. Bartlett II

Age:  32

Education:  Tufts University, B.A. in economics and political science Harvard Law School, J.D.

Occupation:  Attorney

Party Affiliation:  Democrat

Political Experience:  Elected to the Maine Senate in 2004 and 2006

Civic Associations:  Presumpscot Regional Land Trust (board member); Maine HIV Advisory Council (member); Cumberland County Human Services Advisory Committee (member); Gorham Economic Development Corporation (board member)

Phillip A. Csoros

Age: 42

Education: B.S. aircraft engineering technology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. M.S. in international relations from Troy State University, M.B.A. with concentration in finance from Walden University

Occupation: Pilot for American Airlines

Party Affiliation: Republican

Political Experience: Gorham Town Councilor; Maine Municipal Association Legislative Policy Committee; Chairman of Gorham Capital Improvements Committee; Gorham Finance Committee; Gorham Economic Development Corporation.

How the candidates responded:

Why are you seeking election (or reelection)?

Phil Bartlett: I have been honored to serve the residents of Gorham, Scarborough and Westbrook in the Maine Senate since 2004.  Each year I have learned more about the concerns and needs of my constituents as well as how to be an ever more effective representative.  I have decided to seek reelection so that I can continue working to make our state stronger.

Phil Csoros: I’m running for the Maine State Senate because we urgently need leaders who are serious about reducing government spending. Our state is on the fast-track to bankruptcy and unless we have new leadership willing to put the best interests of our state ahead of their personal political careers, we are going to continue on this downward spiral of more spending, higher taxes and fewer jobs.

What makes you the best candidate for the seat?

Phil Bartlett: During the last four years I have worked hard to tackle the toughest issues facing our state. What has made me most proud is being able to bring together competing interests and stakeholders to achieve a common purpose.  As a committee chair, I have effectively bridged gaps and built bipartisan support on a wide range of historically contentious issues.  This kind of leadership is needed to address the difficult challenges facing us in the years ahead.

Phil Csoros: As a husband and father of four, I know how difficult it is for working families to make ends meet in Maine’s difficult economy. I consistently vote to lower spending and reduce taxes, and property taxes in Gorham have not gone up one cent while I’ve been on the Gorham Town Council. In comparison, our legislature recently voted to place a $70 million tax on health insurance and beverages. The choice is clear. I will work to reduce taxes and improve opportunities in Maine.

Growth and development

Phil Bartlett: Maine is a great state and we must continue working to make it stronger.  My policies have always focused on how best to improve standards of living of Maine residents as well as our quality of life.  This requires a balanced approach, working toward reforming our tax structure, reducing energy costs while promoting renewable energy, strengthening our education system, lowering health care costs and protecting the environment.

Phil Csoros: We need to stop squandering our transportation funds on ineffective social programs so that we can invest in our transportation infrastructure. This will make our state more attractive and provide new opportunities for our younger generation (the ones who are currently fleeing our state in record numbers).

Tax-reform

Phil Bartlett: Maine’s tax system is antiquated, relying too heavily on property and income taxes.  I have supported policies to reduce both of these taxes.  For example, I introduced legislation to provide a refundable income tax credit for up to 25 percent of property taxes paid by Maine residents.  This would provide direct property tax relief to Maine citizens.  Similarly, the income tax rates should be reduced to make the state more attractive to growing businesses.  Finally, Maine does a poor job of collecting taxes from non-residents who utilize our services.  We must bring Maine’s tax code in line with other states by more appropriately and fairly distributing the tax burden.

Phil Csoros: Tax reform is only possible once government spending is under control. If we cut taxes without cutting spending, we will drive our state’s $250 million deficit even higher. Tax reform must begin with a disciplined reduction in state spending. Once we have new leadership in Augusta we can begin on our road to economic recovery in Maine.

Economic development

Phil Bartlett: Economic development at the state level has tended to focus too heavily on searching for that next big employer for economically disadvantaged parts of the state.  I believe we need a regional approach to economic development with incentives for communities to work together rather than competing with each other to attract businesses.  In addition, we must continue to make strategic investments in research and development and transportation infrastructure to support economic development in the state.  Similarly, we must help more Maine residents go on to college or otherwise obtain advanced skills training so that our workforce has the skills demanded by today’s businesses.

Phil Csoros: We have a great opportunity with the transfer of the Brunswick Naval Air Station back to the state of Maine. I would like to see this area transformed into a facility similar to the very successful model we see in nearby Portsmouth, N.H. There are large enough buffers around the base so that we could incorporate some of the enterprises that people usually object to on the “not in my backyard” basis.

Educational development, including stance on school consolidation 

Phil Bartlett: Maine has consistently had one of the highest high school graduation rates in the country but also one of the lowest college graduation rates.  Many employers tell me that finding skilled workers is one of their biggest challenges.  That is why I supported the Opportunity Maine initiative to provide income tax credits for student loan repayments to Maine college students who stay in Maine after graduation.

Phil Csoros: Consolidation has some promise for cost savings, but only if the governor and legislature talk to the experts on how to make it happen efficiently and effectively. The fact that approximately 12 percent of the state house members were absent for the school consolidation vote tells me the members did not take the issue seriously and that it lacked leadership.

Additional Comments

Phil Csoros: I have the courage and discipline to say “no” to wasteful spending that we have neither the cash nor the credit for. The job of state senator does not require years of “experience,” it requires common sense and discipline. I have a verifiable record of informed voting based upon the facts and the figures. It is my hope that the voters of District 6 will look at my record and realize that I back up may words with actions that has lowered taxes for those whom I represent. Please vote for Phillip A. Csoros on Nov. 4.