Age (on Election Day): 49
Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Homemaker, licensed master electrician
Community organizations:
Lions Club; volunteer mentor, Spruce Mountain Area Robotics Team
Hobbies, activities etc.:
I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and gardening.
Family status: Married; 2 sons, Shane and Bryan
Years in Legislature: 0
Clean Election candidate? Yes
Committee assignments wanted:
Energy, Utilities, Technology
What is the most pressing problem in your district and what do you plan to do about it?
With mill jobs disappearing, lower-wage jobs are all many people can find. The state must comply with school-funding laws and return to previous revenue-sharing rates, to shift the property tax burden off young families, the elderly and the working poor. We need policies that will attract and keep high-wage employers.
Gov. Paul LePage wants to eliminate the state income tax. Do you support that? If not, why not?
No. Property and sales taxes are disproportionately hard on those who can least afford to pay. If your income takes a hit, you shouldn’t risk losing your house because you can’t pay your tax bill. We need to fund our state fairly, and income tax is probably the fairest method.
Are you willing to support raising the fuel tax to fix Maine roads? If not, why not?
I can’t say “never,” but I would prefer to use other methods, such as the bond question voters will decide this November.
The relationship between the governor and the Legislature has deteriorated over the past six years. What can the Legislature do to improve that relationship?
Any relationship starts with courtesy, and the governor must master basic etiquette if the Legislature is to work efficiently with him. For my part, I will work with anyone, whether we agree or not, and I will keep my discussions civil even when I am critical of ideas or actions.
What methods do you support to reduce opiate addiction in Maine?
We need a collaborative approach based on evidence. Those who deal with it daily — police, teachers, affected families, health care workers, clergy — are the best resources. Clear, accurate information will help us create policies that support community efforts to prevent addiction and enforce laws to stop the dealers.
How are you voting on the referendum questions?
Question 1: Yes
Question 2: Yes
Question 3: No
Question 4: Yes
Question 5: Yes
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