Age (on Election Day): 22
Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Independent contractor
Community organizations:
Maine Young Democrats, Emily Cain For Congress
Hobbies, activities etc.
Reading, learning, riding my bike, exploring new areas
Family status: In a relationship
Years in Legislature: 0
Clean Election candidate? No
Committee assignments wanted:
Education and Cultural Affairs; Taxation; Environment and Natural Resources; Transportation
What is the most pressing problem in your district and what do you plan to do about it?
Economic security and opportunity. Families across the state have been hit hard by the Great Recession. The USDA estimates that 15 percent of Maine households, or more than 200,000 Mainers, are food insecure. I support a minimum wage increase and will fight for every Mainer who is food insecure.
Gov. Paul LePage wants to eliminate the state income tax. Do you support that? If not, why not?
I do not support the governor’s position. Millionaires pay the same tax rate as someone making $40,000 per year. I am strongly in favor of Question 2 and support a progressive tax system in which the wealthiest Mainers pay a higher effective tax rate than middle class families.
Are you willing to support raising the fuel tax to fix Maine roads? If not, why not?
I am in favor of a 5 percent gasoline tax increase that will generate revenue to invest in Maine’s infrastructure. The Transportation Organization known as TRIP says 33 percent of Maine’s local and state-maintained roads are in poor or mediocre condition. Maine drivers pay $300 yearly due to poor road conditions.
The relationship between the governor and the Legislature has deteriorated over the past six years. What can the Legislature do to improve that relationship?
Our state government can be better equipped to advance the general well-being of our people if government officials share a common sense of respect and decency for one another when serious challenges are being discussed, as Maine citizens are looking for real solutions the economic challenges of our time.
What methods do you support to reduce opiate addiction in Maine?
272 Mainers died in 2015 as a result of the opioid epidemic and thousands more are addicted. I support increased funding for projects designed to reduce substance abuse and substance abuse related crimes. Lack of health insurance coverage for many individuals who suffer from opioid addiction remains a barrier.
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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