James Hamper

Maine Senate 19

Social media accounts
Facebook, Jim Hamper; Facebook, Senator James Hamper.

Occupation:
Carpenter.

Education:
Associate degree, UMA.

Community Organizations:
Oxford Advent Christian Church.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Gardening, hunting, motorcycling.

Family status:
Married 42 years.

Years in the Legislature:                                                                                          14.

Committee assignments (if elected):
Labor, Environment and Natural Resources, Energy, Utilities and Technology, Health and Human Services, Appropriations and Financial Affairs.

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
I have and will support stiffening penalties for drug traffickers, expanding drug courts and providing additional resources for recovering addicts. Rural Maine is in need of more treatment resources.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
We need to follow up on the reforms that just passed and check their efficacy to make sure that those working directly with children have the resources they need to adequately protect Maine children.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
Proficiency-based diploma mandate was repealed and the decision is now with local school boards.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
Universal health care is not affordable in Maine. I remember the budget shortfalls during the Baldacci years. We need to focus on bringing the cost down.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
I have read the bill several times and I am convinced that it can in no way deliver what is promised and will have a devastating impact on Maine’s economy.

6) Are you frustrated by the political sniping, exaggeration and even lies between the parties and their supporters that have threatened progress usually reached through respect and reasoned compromise? If so, what will you personally do to make the situation better?                                                                                           I choose to not participate in that kind of political activity. My work on Maine’s budget has proven that we can find a middle ground.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
In 14 years of service I have only stayed three nights in Augusta. I come home every night.

Speed Round

Should voters be required to show ID at the polls?                                              Yes.