Kenneth Cianchette

Kenneth J. Cianchette was born in Portland, Maine. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maine in 2010. His career experience includes working as a business owner, general manager, property manager, and project manager. He has been affiliated with Chamber of Commerce and Hospitality Maine.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

A lifelong Mainer so far, I am running to push Augusta back into a sense of effective government through shared resolution to the most pressing of today's issues. As the founder, builder, owner, and operator of the region's latest 'Business of the Year' per the Sebago Lake Region Chamber of Commerce, with the ability to deal make to create incredible opportunities through shared vision, partnership, and work, I am shifting my focus to the lackluster performance of Augusta.

Though running as a Republican, I have proudly maintained an Independent status until this election for the last decade, as I believe political party affiliation is creating the wedge we see today. We will not agree on everything, but we can have a better functioning government than we have today through less negativity and identity politics, and more emphasis on today's issues.

I am brother, son, uncle, friend, employer, coach, and i consider myself a civic leader for our community of District 26. We have been proud of our representation in the Senate for the last number of years. District 26 is not leading right now, and I will promise to lead and be truthful to all Mainers on the status of our State and it's elected leaders. Let's stop breaking down our foundational goodness and start building bridges to prosperity.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am an expert, as compared to all others in the Senate, in understanding the challenges our small business operators and employees face. They range from lobster boats, to restaurants, to construction companies, firms, and even boutique hotels. I have spent my entire life in many capacities around this, and I know what works, what doesn't work, what's doing harm, and I believe deals can be made to better the outlook for all stakeholders of small business.Our government is necessary to provide services and functions to have a properly functioning society. The checks and balances of our government must be utilized when overzealous politicians become out of line. Furthermore, funding of our government should be only necessary, and as elected stewards of taxpayers dollars, we all are responsible for utilizing those funds wisely, not wastefully. All additional monies should be return to all those who pay taxes in Maine first, and we should be aiming to do that quickly as a result of the national energy and inflation crises.As a product of an affluent public, religious private, and university of Maine education, I have a unique background that can draw the pros and cons of each. We need to stop thinking of education as simply a manner of spending more money will make things better, but utilize innovative programs found at all of these types of institutions in a more productive and larger manner. Every Maine child deserves the opportunity to better their lives, but every Maine child will lead different lives, and we should rejoice and embrace that. We should invest in the programs, and educators, who make our next generation better prepared for entering the workforce, while thoughtfully balancing the funding.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Preservation and expansion of the opportunities of our small businesses which make us Vacationland. We have the best people on earth, in terms of quality of persons, determination, and work ethic. Let's reign in our bloated government and unleash our private sector to grow wages on their own, rather than through government mandate, so Mainers can once again afford to live in Maine.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Many people who are titans in their respective roles. Some have passed, others have not. I will keep that private, but many are Maine icons.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Winston Churchill, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Dwight Eisenhower, JFK, and Ronald Reagan.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Understanding their roles, responsibilities, abilities, and constraints, while focusing on resolving issues through comprehensive ideas rather than bullet points given by party leaders.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Ability to use reason, envision the ramifications of policy making, willingness to compromise if the product exceeds the current status for most if not all Mainers, and act in a civilized manner.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

You must be willing to do the right thing, regardless of consequences, and hold others to the same standard.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I shook things up to return back to the sense of professionalism once exhibited by most of Augusta in the 1990's and 2000's, with a new perspective to guide us to the future and ability to outperform other States.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

9/11, I was 13 years old

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Landscaping. Summers.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Harry Potter books. Yeah, i said it.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Captain America

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Adele - Make you feel my love

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Weight. But i'll be ok.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

As the constitution intended. The executive branch must execute the laws as written, with the authority to sign or veto laws. Emergency powers are necessary on emergencies only, and not a revolving line of credit on the whim of the governor.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Our expenses and taxes will drive our working class into poverty, eliminate small businesses left and right until we look like a midwestern drive through town with chains everywhere, and California policies that are not successful or practical for our State with their sole benefit is to brag about ineffective infrastructure when we could have clean and vibrant economy through trust, innovation, and effort.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes and no. It depends on the situation. Term limits are a great thing, and people should never enter politics until they have accomplished a major achievement in their personal or professional life. To each their own on what that means.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely. We are being hired to do a job, which is to create good policies, bills, and laws, while holding our institutions accountable. Not every problem is a left vs right thing, sometimes its a right vs wrong thing, and I believe we have many more good people in Maine than other States have. That includes in Augusta. There has just been some misguidance for one reason or another.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Churhill historically and globally. Bill Diamond locally. To be a true centrist that has core principles that all should share such as a properly sized government, with proper funding.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

At this time no.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I own a business that has roughly 40 working class employees who also have a second job or are going to school at the same time. I applaud all of their efforts, but the biggest issue I know that affects them is how to afford living in Maine and the lack of ability to build wealth. We need to fix our taxes and energy policies first to help alleviate that.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Knock knock, Whose there? Interrupting Cow. Interrupting Cow wh... MOOOOOO

My nephew loves that one.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

No more than 7 days at a time. If it is a time for an emergency, then the legislature should get their tails to Augusta to deal with it.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Elimination of income tax on the first $75,000 of gross earned income. This is moderate, significant, and we can afford it through our current 'surpluses' and cutting certain government spending. I do not believe, for one minute, that the State of Maine cannot afford to make any cuts to government spending.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Working on that. Ryan Larkins though!

What committees interest you?

Oversight of the Transporation, Veterans and Legal Affairs, DHHS, Taxation, Small Business, Environment, and Energy. They all are in critical need of reform.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Every elected official should be held accountable for all of their actions, and inactions, at the ballot box. Honesty is always the best policy, and though I cannot possibly be heard by every constituent on every single item that crosses my desk, any questions will be answered honestly and with my opinion and accompanying justification. I may be wrong, but i won't be dishonest.