I do not fit easily into an ideological box. Having been raised with good Yankee values, I honor hard work and thrift. I'm a fiscal conservative who believes that those who can help themselves should. But I also believe strongly in investing adequately in education and community, and in providing support for those with real needs. With my wife and two children, I lead a very traditional home life, centered on school, church, and community. But I don't try to impose my lifestyle on others. I believe strongly in equal rights and civil liberties.

I'm a real believer in the power of getting people to work together to improve their world. Much of the work I've done has involved helping people to realize a vision. I'm a strong believer that communities should work to shape their own futures, rather than allowing events to dictate their own course

Though a Democrat, I've worked exceedingly hard in Augusta to remain non-partisan, and for the most part, I think I've succeeded. I don't approach politics as "us versus them," and I'm always willing to work with others. On the three committees that I've chaired, I have always tried to find a middle ground based on common sense rather than political ideology. I'm very proud of the fact that our committees succeeded in reporting out most bills unanimously.

I've also been an active player in non-partisan efforts to support dairy farmers and to reform taxes. And I've not been afraid to challenge my party, as I have done both on many small issues and on two very big issues, taxes and education. In all the decisions I make, my allegiance and first priority is always the people I represent.

Piotti enjoys getting input from Waldo County residents.

Education Funding: Every Maine child deserves access to a good education, regardless of whether that child lives in a wealthy or poor town. The Legislature in 2004 adopted the "Essential Program and Services" methodology for school funding. School districts now receive state funding based not on how much they spend, but on how much they should be spending to educate students. Poorer, rural districts will no longer be at a disadvantage over school districts like Yarmouth or Camden-Rockport.

Economic Development: Maine is described as a small business state but does little to support small, locally-owned businesses. Maine's economic development strategy and funding should be targeted to help existing small businesses prosper and grow, rather than to provide tax breaks to large corporations or try to attract new businesses from away.

Environment: I have been endorsed for re-election by the Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club and the Maine League of Conservation Voters. Maine's environment is special. It's a big part of the "quality of life" that residents here cherish. It's also a big part of our economy. Traditionally, our natural environment has been the engine for many Maine businesses such as LL Bean and it attracts new entrepreneurs all the time. Maine tourism is highly dependent on the environment, and increasingly so. And the futures of Maine's natural resource-based industries (farming, fishing, and forestry) are completely dependent on it. Maine was once a national leader in environmental legislation with efforts to clean rivers, ban billboards, promote recycling, and more. Now we seem content to coast along. I feel this is a mistake. The Maine League of Conservation Voters (MLCV) tracked 14 bills that were important to the environment. I was happy to be on MLCV's side on all 14 of them. But overall, I've been disappointed with the lack of environmental activism within the Legislature.
I favor efforts to further improve water and air quality, reduce the use of toxic materials, protect critical wildlife habitat, preserve prime farmland, and encourage "smart growth" that simultaneously serves environmental and community interests. In the next legislative session I will push for at least $100 million in new bond funding for the Land for Maine's Future Program.
We need to change the debate away from the economy versus environment. A comprehensive approach is needed to build upon the interconnections between the two to truly serve society's future interests.

Farms: I've worked closely with farmers in my job since 1995. I've help farmers write business plans, get loans, find new markets, and preserve their land. I also served on the legislative committee that oversees agriculture. So I'm well aware of what's happening in Maine's diverse agricultural sector. Maine farms could become a major supplier of food products to both local and East Coast markets. It makes good economic sense for the State to help preserve farmland and to assist farms to be profitable.

State Revenue Shortfall: The State of Maine will face a revenue shortfall in its next budget that could be as high as $1 billion. Wrestling with this issue will be one of the great challenges of the next legislative session. In the past session we managed to fill the gap without raising the State sales tax or income tax. I am thrifty by nature, and will be looking for cuts wherever possible. Personally, I remain hopeful that any shortfall can be addressed without raising taxes or cutting essential services. I have witnessed first hand some of the inefficiencies of the bureaucracy. There is room for improvement and modernization that could save lots of money. But I also know that there is a limit to how much can be cut without it directly and significantly affecting that state's ability to retain needed services.

Human Rights: I strongly oppose discrimination of any sort, whether based on race, age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.

A Woman's Right to Choose: I don't believe it is government's role to legislate this very private matter.

Hunting & Gun Control: I've been endorsed for re-election by the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine, who rated me "A". I grew up hunting, and hope that my grandchildren will someday have as much opportunity to hunt as Mainers enjoy today. I worry about the ever increasingly amount of Maine land closed to public access. I strongly support the right to bear arms. I think current hunting and gun control laws are adequate. I have no tolerance for people who violate those laws.

Public Campaign Financing: I am a Clean Elections candidate. As such, I am not accepting any campaign contributions. My campaign is being paid entirely with public funds. I'm supportive, in concept, of the Clean Elections law although it can be improved. I applaud how it levels the playing field and how it limits the influence of special interests groups.