What does it means to be a Representative?

The principle of representation is really very simple, in my eyes. First and foremost, you must represent your constituents’ needs and wishes. When 60% of the people in your district are opposed to a piece of legislation, it is your duty as a representative to oppose that legislation, regardless of your own personal beliefs.

The will of the people should be the law of the land.

Sadly, the first act of the 122nd Legislature was to repeal a law that had just been passed as a People's Initiative. This was absolutely appalling to me, and I absolutely voted against repealing the people's will.

Representative Ben Dudley, said in his speech on the floor of the House that allowing the will of the people to become law would be "one of the most irresponsible things" that the legislature could do. His party members agreed with him and the People’s Initiative was repealed. Please do not take me at my word. You can read this for yourself in the transcript of Legislative Record, page 75, January 19, 2005. I strongly disagree with Mr. Dudley and his peers. I believe the will of the people is exactly what an elected representative should strive to see enacted into law.

The other main task for any representative is to effectively aid any constituent in any problem with State government. Dealing with the State can be a daunting task. When you have a problem, you should have an advocate who is ready, willing, and able to assist you in navigating through the maze that our State government can be. Your representative should assist you with the resolution to your problem.

During my tenure in Augusta, I made my constituents’ concerns and problems my top priority, to the best of my abilities. I felt that those people who elected me deserved this, and still do.

With regard to fiscal policies:

Maine has seen a gradual and dramatic increase in her spending for the past 4 decades. Maine just has to do better!

Our state government spending is out of control and taxes are just too high for individuals and business to thrive. This has stifled and stunted our economy, which only leads to more spending and further reduction in revenues. The structural gap continues to grow due to fiscal mismanagement in Augusta. The time is long past due for zero based budgeting. Every Governmental agency or department with any budget needs to justify every single dollar that is spent.

It will not be easy, which is why it has not been done. I believe it can be done. I believe it must be done to salvage our economy.

I am not afraid to suggest the unthinkable: A constitutional amendment to reduce the size of Maine's legislature, to begin with. Our government is simply too big. We just cannot afford what we have let grow unchecked. Instead of hiding from this fact, it is time that our legislature embrace this fact and find a workable long-term solution. Even if it costs me my seat in the House, I will advocate for a smaller, more budget-conscious, stream-lined, financially accountable legislature.

Once viable solutions have been implemented, we can begin the process of fixing our economy.

We must recognize that business truly is the engine that powers our economy.

Fiscal policies from Augusta that punish businesses by over-taxation are the most ill advised measures we could possibly implement. When I was on the Labor Committee, a fellow member said “business are just going to have to realize that they aren’t going to make a profit in Maine”. I could not believe my ears and I could not disagree more. Sadly, many businesses have already realized this and have left Maine for more business-friendly states. We could turn this around, but unfortunately, thus far, every two years our legislators come teeming to Augusta with proposal after proposal that are detrimental to businesses. This makes no sense at all. Sadly, even when we are successful in defeating these bills, as we were this past session, the mere introduction of some of these business-unfriendly bills surely make prospective entrepreneurs and owners think twice before they expand or relocate here.

Our focus must be entirely different and more positive! We must be willing to give reasonable incentives to businesses to stay here in Maine, to expand here, or to relocate here. Realistically, it costs us nothing to give a business a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) incentive and we gain in measurable dollar amounts.

For example: If a business from Florida is considering building a $5 million dollar facility in Maine to employ 100 people with an average salary of $50,000, what would it cost us to tell the Florida company that they would pay no real estate taxes and no state income taxes for the first ten years? The answer is, of course, nothing. It costs us nothing at all to offer this incentive. If we do not offer this incentive, they do not build here, and they pay no taxes here, ever. We lose out on jobs and tax dollars for the long term.

Conversely, if we do offer this short term incentive, they build here, and pay no taxes for a limited amount of time. In return this new business creates 100 jobs for Maine residents. Those residents stop collecting unemployment, or transition off of state benefit programs, and start paying income taxes. They also have a little more discretionary income, which they are likely to spend, thus paying Maine’s sales tax. Moreover, they will be spending their money at another Maine business, and suddenly, the economy is improving measurably in Maine, as jobs are created, tax revenues increase, and the structural gap gets smaller. This is basic math applied to basic business principles. We can have this circular, thriving, healthy economy, if we will apply these principles accordingly.

As your State Representative, I will oppose any effort to raise any taxes or fees.

I will oppose any new taxes or fees.

I will oppose any and all efforts to expand any existing taxes or fees.

I will support any and all effort to decrease or eliminate any taxes or fees.

I will also support the removal of all automatic increases in taxes that are currently in Maine law.

I made this vow prior to my election to the 122nd Legislature, and my voting record shows that I kept that promise 100% of the time.

My opponent has historically supported not only every increase of taxes and fees that crossed his desk, but also the implementation of new taxes and fees.

I do not believe that his voting practices represent the desire of the majority of people in this district.

 

 

 Social Policies:

 

Maine is absolutely in dire financial crisis. Our social policies need to recognize that fact and adjust accordingly. There are a number of policies that can be changed that will dramatically improve our financial situation.

First, we need to enact a six month waiting period for anyone moving to Maine before they can collect any type of State aid. Our welfare system is one of the most liberal in the country, so much so that our #1 source of new residents are welfare recipients who have either exhausted their benefits in other states and are coming to Maine because we will give them benefits, or have recognized that Maine will give them benefits immediately upon their arrival to our state. We have to stem this negative tide.

Next, we need to create better programs that encourage and promote the transition from dependency on the state to self sufficiency. Our welfare system needs to be a short-term helping hand rather than a long-term way of life. Give a family a fish, and you feed them a meal. Give a family a fishing pole and they feed themselves for life and set a great example for their children and their children’s children.

 As for same-sex marriage, it simply boils down to the will of the people, which is what our democracy was founded upon. The time has come for the Legislature to accept the will of the people in Maine.  Our domestic partnership law already protects the rights of same-sex couples in committed relationships.  The voters have repeatedly rejected same-sex marriage.  The current domestic partnership law is generous and respectful, as written, in protecting the rights of all of Maine's citizens, same sex or not. There is no disparity here.  There is no discrimination. 

I strongly feel it is time for people on both sides of this issue to lend their focus and considerable energy to Maine’s real problems. 

On abortions, I stick firmly by my conviction that abortion is a heart-breaking tragedy, the full impact of which may not be realized for years to come. Reducing the number of abortions performed is, in my opinion, an absolute necessity. The first and most important means of accomplishing this is by reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies. We need to recognize and respect that a woman's body is her own, and she has the innate right to choose what she wishes to do with it. We also need to stress that the appropriate, responsible time to make that choice is prior to conception.

By offering well rounded education we can reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, and ultimately reduce the number of abortions. This education should detail the short and long term possible damaging effects of abortion with true informed consent. We should also educate on the proper use of various types of birth control. Lastly, and most importantly, we need strong, clear emphasis on personal responsibility.

While abortion, to me, is unthinkable, I do truly recognize that there are specific instances where a woman and her family should have abortion as an option. For instance… In the case of a rape victim who becomes pregnant as a result of the rape, or when a woman is facing a serious, life threatening complication with a pregnancy, abortion can be a literal life-saver.

My wife and I faced this very decision with our 6^th child. Lori was very ill when we found she was pregnant. We were advised that if she did not have an abortion she would very likely die.  She responded emphatically that she would “die trying” and today Sophie is nearing 2 years of age, a miracle to us, happy and healthy. We have been through this and understand the heartache of having to make this decision.

While these instances are terrible to endure, I still do not believe that the state has a compelling reason to limit the options of a person in these or similar circumstances. 

When all members of society come to the realization that abortion is truly a tragedy that should only be turned to in extreme cases, I am confident that we will see the practice of abortion all but eliminated, without any prohibition necessary from the State. Personal responsibility, education and informed choice is key.

Gun control is another issue I am asked about regularly. Clearly, the founders of our great country thought it was important enough to insure the rights of citizens to keep and bear arms that they included an amendment in the bill of rights to cement this right.

When the State of Maine drafted its Constitution, it placed even stronger wording than the Second Amendment.

Maine's Constitution states in Article 1, Section 16, that "Every citizen has a right to keep and bear arms and this right shall never be questioned." That is crystal clear. As I will, if elected, swear an oath to protect and uphold the Constitution, you will not ever see me vote to, in any way, shape or form, erode any of our citizen's Constitutional Rights.

Individual rights and freedoms are absolutely essential. Wars have been fought, and countless brave men and women have given their lives to protect and preserve our way of life. It is inconceivable to me that we would ever allow our own elected, representative government trample on deny us these very freedoms.

Again, my friends, our Constitution is very clear. The rights of an individual should not be interfered with by the government under any circumstance, provided that the exercise of those rights do not infringe on the rights of someone else. Until the rights of one person are being infringed upon, the State has no reason to be involved.

Summing it up:
This is simply a brief summary of what I stand for. It is my sincere hope and belief that I stand reasonably close to supporting the beliefs of a majority of the residents of Bradley, Brewer, Clifton, Dedham, Eddington, and Holden.

I have created this site, specifically this page, to allow you, the voters, to have a true understanding of my philosophies as they relate to serving as your representative. I welcome all comments, positive and negative, on any or all of these positions. If I am out of touch with the desires of my constituents, I definitely need to know. If you agree with me, I would appreciate having that validation, as well. Any feedback given to me is valuable!

Please contact me at (207) 852-6261 or by email at rephall@hotmail.com. You can also use the form on the Contact Darren page.

I love hearing from you. As your representative, your issues with state government become my responsibility to help resolve. I have found this part of the job to be immeasurably rewarding and would be honored and humbled by your vote to send me back to Augusta to work for you.