Age (on Election Day): 25
Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Administrative assistant
Community organizations:
Sabattus Democrat Committee, member; Sabattus Budget Committee
Hobbies, activities etc.:
Astronomy, fishing, hunting, reading, video games
Family status: Single
Years in Legislature: 0
Clean Election candidate? Yes
Committee assignments wanted:
Criminal Justice and Public Safety; Energy, Utilities and Technology; Education and Cultural Affairs’ Environment and Natural Resources
What is the most pressing problem in your district and what do you plan to do about it?
The most pressing problem in my district is the looming threat of property tax increases. For people who live on fixed incomes and people who live paycheck to paycheck, fluctuations in property taxes could make or break them. I would like to allocate more state funds for education.
Gov. Paul LePage wants to eliminate the state income tax. Do you support that? If not, why not?
No, I do not agree with eliminating or reducing the state income tax. Eliminating or reducing the state income tax would throw the responsibility of funding state services (education, state road maintenance, law enforcement and so much more) on the already burdened shoulders of property owners.
Are you willing to support raising the fuel tax to fix Maine roads? If not, why not?
At about $1 million a mile to tar a road, I do not agree that the necessary projects could be fully funded by such a raise in the fuel tax. Maine has an excellent bond credit rating and could use this method as a means to fund road maintenance.
The relationship between the governor and the Legislature has deteriorated over the past six years. What can the Legislature do to improve that relationship?
The deterioration of the relationship between the governor and the Legislature is a reflection of our nation’s polarization as a whole. This is not just a Maine problem, this is a national issue. Polarization can be fixed by remembering that we are all still neighbors. The Legislature can lead by example.
What methods do you support to reduce opiate addiction in Maine?
I support a change in strategy concerning drug addition and drug use. Our current strategy — the Hardline Policy — toward non-violent drug offenders should be altered. We must reduce the demand for opiates before we reduce the supply. We reduce the demand by treating addicts with a harm reduction approach.
How are you voting on the referendum questions?
Question 1: Yes
Question 2: Yes
Question 3: Yes
Question 4: Yes
Question 5: Yes
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