Age (on Election Day): 72
Party affiliation: Republican
Occupation: Retired, real estate
Community organizations:
Board member, Western Maine Transportation; Norway Paris Kiwanis Club; Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce; Maine Appalachian Trail Club; life member, Norway Paris Fish and Game Association; American Legion
Hobbies, activities etc.:
Hiking, fishing, boating, skiing, golf
Family status: Married; 3 children, 4 grandchildren
Years in Legislature: 14
Clean Election candidate? No
Committee assignments wanted:
Appropriations and Financial Affairs
What is the most pressing problem in your district and what do you plan to do about it?
There is significant concern about the extent of drug use and addiction issues, as well as the continuing concerns about the loss of manufacturing jobs in the community. There is disagreement between experts about solutions to these issues. I will listen carefully to the discussion and try to vote wisely.
Gov. Paul LePage wants to eliminate the state income tax. Do you support that? If not, why not?
Maine’s taxes as a percent of income compared with other states is high. Eliminating the tax on income and replacing the revenue with tax on consumption is a worthy goal, and important to consider as our population becomes older and has less taxable income as folks retire.
Are you willing to support raising the fuel tax to fix Maine roads? If not, why not?
It is too early to say that. We currently tax the cost per gallon of fuel purchased, but with an increasing number of users who do not use gas as fuel or very little of it. We should discuss alternative ways of paying for this important infrastructure.
The relationship between the governor and the Legislature has deteriorated over the past six years. What can the Legislature do to improve that relationship?
We have to stop sniping at each other and work together. Folks have to realize that it OK to disagree about policy but be agreeable with each other. Remember it takes two to have an argument.
What methods do you support to reduce opiate addiction in Maine?
The experts do not agree on an appropriate plan or plans to treat people. In public hearings we hear about the problem, its causes and results, but no solution with proven results. We provide emergency services, but solution to provide a long term “cure” for addiction seems to be elusive.
How are you voting on the referendum questions?
Question 1: No
Question 2: No
Question 3: No
Question 4: No
Question 5: No
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