Edward P. “Ed” Legg

Education: Harvard, A.B., Cum Laude in American History, University of Texas (Austin) School of Law, J.D.

Occupation: Retired Vice-President, University of New England

Party: Democrat

Political Experience: National Campaign Staff of Sen. Eugene McCarthy For President ’68, Managed campaigns for Maine Democratic Party 1970s, three times Delegate to Maine Democratic Conventions, Served on George Mitchell’s first campaign staff for U.S. Senate, 1990’s Maine Democratic Party Leadership Council, Executive Committee and officer, Participation 2000

Past Civic Associations: UNE Board of Trustees, co-chairman largest successful capital campaign in UNE history, Kennebunk Land Trust board of directors, helped start and served as a board member of the Katahdin Institute

Why are you seeking election: Based on my experience working in the Legislature to secure research and development bonds in the areas of biomedical and marine research, I believe I am uniquely qualified to assist in building new industries in Maine and in York County.  This is especially important as traditional industries either are reduced or even eliminated.  Also, as an experienced professional in environmental issues, healthcare and education, I believe I can contribute a great deal to maintaining and strengthening the critical connections between human, environmental and economic health.

Municipal Spending Priorities: 1) education 2) environment (quality of life) and 3) health and social needs (ties as a priority with transportation/energy conservation)

Growth and Development: I believe research and development and increased educational opportunities go hand-in-hand. Development should be “green,” energy efficient and should be centered on clusters and not sprawl.  People want to live and work next to natural habitat. Kennebunk is a good model for this approach and we must keep it that way. Areas of expansion which will provide incentives for creating the kind of growth we need for the future include clean, energy efficient transportation, especially rail and similar environmentally friendly vehicles; alternative energy sources development for all sectors of the economy; tax incentives for “clean” businesses and industries which will stay in Maine. “Jobs for today, jobs that will stay.” Areas that need to be cut include redundant, under funded government services that are too narrow and serve too small of a community and which should be replaced by efficient, broader funded consolidation structures; subsidies and incentives to large, outside-of-Maine entities which will not commit to staying in Maine for a long period of time; assistance to businesses and industries which violate various regulations and statutes such as environmental polluters and those who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

Tax Reform: 1.) Undertake a serious effort to lower property taxes at all levels, 2) Tax incentives for those who “go green” in construction and in maintenance. 3) Tax incentives for those who develop practical alternative sources of energy. 4) We should explore a more comprehensive system of tourist taxes for large chains and resorts.  Small businesses, such as local bed and breakfast-type inns, should be exempted. Maine is way behind other tourist areas in this regard. 5) More tax incentives for Maine-based small businesses.

Economic Development: We must continue to develop research and development industries and entrepreneurial endeavors tied to research and development and higher education, as well as research-based institutions. We need to aggressively support our healthy and successful industries such as tourism, lobstering, certain types of aquaculture and locally-produced sources of food and nutrition. Given Maine’s abundant supply of natural resources capable of producing alternative sources of energy, this is an industry begging to be nurtured and grown. Responsible utilization of bond proposals is an excellent way to invest in economic development.

Educational Development: The consolidation concept is a good one since in the future many school districts will be significantly decreasing. However, practical considerations and respect for local traditions should be taken into account when this concept is applied. The Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel example appears to be good and workable. 

Additional Comments: Seek aggressive funding for Land for Maine’s Future. Seek affordable, equitable universal healthcare and prescription medicines. Provide incentives for Maine students who will build their careers in Maine. Solve the impending heating oil crisis. Fund restoration of downtown areas. Protect domestic animals and endangered wildlife.