Five of the six citizen initiative proposals that Maine voters will see on their ballots on Election Day Nov. 8 were the subject of the Sept. 20 meeting of Lincoln County Democrats at their campaign headquarters in Damariscotta.

Jay Nutting, a lobbyist working for the Marijuana Policy Project, outlined the details of Question 1, which would allow regulated production, distribution, testing and sale of marijuana, and provide for a 10-percent sales tax on purchases.

Michael Thurston, a Winslow High School social studies teacher, spoke on behalf of Question 2, which would add a three-percent tax on individual Maine taxable income above $200,000, to create a state fund for direct support of K-through-12 public education in the state.

Allison Hepler of Woolwich presented the argument for Question 3, which would require background checks on purchasers of firearms in private sales, such as is already required nationally in sales by licensed firearms dealers. The proposal includes exceptions for extended family members, hunting companions and some others.

Will Ikard, director of the Maine Small Business Coalition, made the case for Question 4, which would raise the current minimum hourly wage of $7.50 in Maine to $9 in 2017, with annual $1 increases up to $12 in 2020, and annual cost-of-living increases thereafter. It also would raise the direct wage for service workers who receive tips, from half the current minimum wage to $5 in 2017, with annual $1 increases until it reaches the adjusted minimum wage.

Maine District 13 Senator Chris Johnson explained Question 5, which would allow voters to rank their choices of candidates in elections for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and for Maine Governor and for the State Senate and House of Representatives. The process would ensure that final victors are supported by a majority of voters.

Question 6, not discussed at the meeting, asks voters whether they favor a $100,000,000 bond issue, with the funds earmarked for construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of transportation infrastructure in Maine. The money would match an estimated $137,000,000 in federal and other funds.

The Lincoln County Democratic campaign headquarters is located at 281 Main Street in Damariscotta. For more information, see the county committee’s web page at http://www.lincolncountydemocrats.com/.