Age (on Election Day): 68
Party affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Retired chief financial officer
Community organizations:
Tri-County Mental Health, board of directors; Oxford Hills SCORE Chapter, counselor; past treasurer and board member, Oxford Hills Growth Council; former Gray town councilor; former treasurer and board member, Deertrees Theater; former board member, Fare Share Food Cooperative; former chairman, Maine CAP Finance Directors
Hobbies, activities etc.:
I do substitute teaching, specializing in special education for all grades. I like to volunteer for school programs, community events and providing support to small businesses.
Family status: Married; 6 children, 6 grandchildren.
Years in Legislature: 0
Clean Election candidate? Yes
Committee assignments wanted:
Energy, Utilities and Technology; Transportation; Environment and Natural Resources
What is the most pressing problem in your district and what do you plan to do about it?
I have been conducting a survey in my district containing 19 possible issues. The top issue that has emerged: infrastructure needs. This category includes problems like road and bridge repairs, solving rural transportation needs and providing better Internet access. I will work to find short and long term solutions.
Gov. Paul LePage wants to eliminate the state income tax. Do you support that? If not, why not?
I do not support eliminating the income tax. Eliminating it will undoubtedly result higher local property tax burden which is not in the best interest of our poor and middle class citizens. Restructuring the income tax system to end unreasonable loop holes and fairly tax everyone is a necessary step.
Are you willing to support raising the fuel tax to fix Maine roads? If not, why not?
I do favor raising the fuel tax. With gas prices relatively low it is time to create funding benefiting the citizens. However, we cannot achieve success by solely relying on a fuel tax. We need a commitment to a well-constructed long range infrastructure plan and a balanced source of funding.
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 Constitution requires providing for the general welfare of the people. It doesn’t guarantee services can be available to all, but we need to extend a helping hand to people truly in need. Government’s responsibility is to provide a caring hand in the most efficient and cost effective manner.
What methods do you support to reduce opiate addiction in Maine?
To achieve success in battling the opiate crisis will require an immediate three-pronged attack comprising of treatment programs, educational strategies and an enhanced punitive system. There needs to be enough incentives to steer current and potential users away from temptations and societal dangers of this epidemic.
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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