Richard A. Pickett

Maine House 116

Social media accounts:
Facebook: Representative Dick Pickett @ repdickpickett

Occupation:
Retired law enforcement.

Education:
High school diploma, with some college.

Community Organizations:
Webb River Sportsmen Club member, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine member, Cornerstone Baptist Church member, deacon and Bible school superintendent.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Fishing, hunting, golf, gardening.

Family status:
Married with two children and nine grandchildren.

Years in the Legislature: Four.

Committee assignments (if elected):
State and Local Government Committee.

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
I would support programs that help with addiction. I believe that addiction destroys families. We can stop this destruction with a combination of education, law enforcement and treatment programs.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
I would discuss with DHHS and try to provide resources to our experts. Once abuse rears its ugly head, our experts must have the resources to closely monitor and intervene.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
No. We must allow local school districts to tailor our kids educational needs. Anything less amounts to dumbing down of the curriculum.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
No. I believe improvements to the current employee-based system is the best solution. Government involvement in health care should be very limited.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8 percent tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
No. I do not support any new taxes on Maine people.

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 will continue to reach across the aisle whenever possible. Common sense coupled with compromise is great provided it moves our state in the right direction.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
I am an avid outdoor enthusiast. I hunt, fish and recreate with my family and friends. I believe that strong families are built on a foundation of faith, living, working and playing together.