KITTERY, Maine -- Though spanning different political parties and races, the candidates in attendance at Wednesday’s forum hosted by the Portsmouth Herald agreed upon one thing: The current state of affairs of Maine government isn’t a good one. . .

Incumbent Democrat Deane Rykerson and Green Party candidate Andrew Howard are running for House District 1, which represents part of Kittery. . .

Howard said he is repaying a debt to the state of Maine, because it was there for him in times when he needed it. In addition, he's running a campaign on zero dollars, to get money out of politics. . .

The candidates discussed what it will take the stop the brain drain in Maine, by attracting and retaining young people to pursue careers. . .

Howard raised issue that the Legislature shoots down much of what the people want. He said it's the citizens on the ground who should be coming up with solutions to the workforce crisis.

The candidates were asked about climate change; its current and future impacts to the state. . .

Howard said the state currently allows industries from out of Maine to come in and take control of natural resources and exploit them. "We take a hard line and we say no, we need sustainable industries," he said. . .

All candidates primarily agreed they either would not, or were not ready to, support a ban on assault-style weapons. . .

On gun safety, Howard explained, is where the Green Party "strikes a difference." He said he never wants to see another school shooting or innocent person harmed by a gun again, but, "do you do that by picketing, by trying to get the Kittery Trading Post to stop selling guns?"

Howard said boycott actions by Democrats typically result in increased gun sales. He urged Republicans to take back the NRA, and Democrats to stop picketing.

 

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