Age (on Election Day): 62
Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: LL Bean customer service representative
Community organizations:
National Campaign for Grade Level Reading, Lewiston Leadership Team; Literacy Volunteers Board of Directors; LHS Performing Arts Boosters, secretary; New Elementary School Building Committee; Healthy Androscoggin, former chair; Jobs for Maine’s Graduates, charter member
Hobbies, activities etc.:
Music of all types, gardening and landscaping, reading, self-study in Holocaust history, WWII
Family status: Married; 3 grown children
Years in Legislature: 12
Clean Election candidate? Yes
Committee assignments wanted:
Education; Legal Affairs; Labor and Economic Development; Judiciary
What is the most pressing problem in your district and what do you plan to do about it?
Economic fairness/security for middle-class families; reduce the cost of college so young people can stay in Maine, make sure veterans get the services they’ve earned; invest in affordable housing so seniors can stay in their homes and improve Maine’s pre-k-to-adult education to make it the best it can be.
Gov. Paul LePage wants to eliminate the state income tax. Do you support that? If not, why not?
I am unable to support this plan to shift tax burden to cities and taxing goods/services. Lower the tax rate for those who make $200,000 or less. The property tax in Maine is burdensome; impacting seniors and working class people the most. Expand programs to direct property tax relief to them.
Are you willing to support raising the fuel tax to fix Maine roads? If not, why not?
A comprehensive transportation policy where rail is a priority needed. Local and regional mass transportation are essentials of such a state plan. Alternative transportation modes are included in a comprehensive transportation plan. The fuel tax should be considered as a last resort.
The relationship between the governor and the Legislature has deteriorated over the past six years. What can the Legislature do to improve that relationship?
Electing people such as myself, as I believe, who are willing to listen, do the hard work, and compromise for what is best for the people of Maine. Other players must genuinely step up in a similar fashion.
What methods do you support to reduce opiate addiction in Maine?
The governor and Legislature have done little effectively address this. Mental health funding has been cut and Maine (by the executive branch) has decided not accept funding through the Affordable Care Act which would allow us to combat the heroin/opiate addiction crisis.
How are you voting on the referendum questions?
Question 1: No
Question 2: Yes
Question 3: Yes
Question 4: Yes
Question 5: Yes
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