Age (on Election Day): 56
Party affiliation: Republican
Occupation: Executive director, Maine Statewide Independent Living Council
Community organizations:
Mechanic Falls Vineyard Church; Lewiston Root Cellar board member; Raymond Republican Party; Androscoggin Republican Party; Cumberland County Republican Party
Hobbies, activities etc.:
Michelle and I enjoy family. We are involved in our faith. We hike, run and spend time outdoors. I enjoy reading and sports.
Family status: Married to Michelle; 2 adult children, Maggie and Pat
Years in Legislature: 6
Clean Election candidate? No
Committee assignments wanted:
Education and Cultural Affairs; Government Oversight
What is the most pressing problem in your district and what do you plan to do about it?
I get the most calls/emails about the intrusion of big government into the lives of people in my district. From being forced to join unions to the struggle to collect benefits earned prior to a disability, to all actions requiring permitting. I would support less government, local control.
Gov. Paul LePage wants to eliminate the state income tax. Do you support that? If not, why not?
Yes. You are much better at spending your money than government is! This may cause our government to better prioritize what government should handle (given less tax revenues) and cause it to move back from the many things it should not be doing.
Are you willing to support raising the fuel tax to fix Maine roads? If not, why not?
No. We should be budgeting Maine road maintenance better. Again, we need to prioritize this and not just assume the voters will forgive and cover our mistakes. Look at the sign on your pump next time you stop. See what the oil company gets and see what government already takes.
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 Legislature is responsible for the Legislature. We can do better in how we conduct ourselves. All the Legislature can do is be honest and willing to meet the governor. We can not and do not control the governor’s office.
What methods do you support to reduce opiate addiction in Maine?
Society has changed since I was young and our tolerance/acceptance of so many dangerous behaviors has led us here. I believe this and so many issues we face are due to loss of family structures. We now need to treat those in need and better educate all.
How are you voting on the referendum questions?
Question 1: No
Question 2: No
Question 3: No
Question 4: No
Question 5: No
Send questions/comments to the editors.
