Maine House 59

Social media accounts:
Facebook

Occupation:
Retired.

Education:
Masters of science in adult education, USM.

Community Organizations:
Present: Museum LA Board; Pettingill School Park, Steering Committee; Lewiston Auburn CAB Committee. Past: Lewiston Public Library board, nine years; Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice volunteer, 12 years; Healthy Androscoggin, three years.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
I have been a runner for 40 years, exercise daily, read, spend time with family and friends, especially grandkids.

Family status:
Widowed, two sons, three grandkids.

Years in the Legislature:                                                                                          12.

Committee assignments (if elected):
Appropriations, Health and Human Services.

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
Expand MaineCare. Initiate a model that is working in other states, where police refer the person to a treatment facility instead of to jail. Support the creation of more in-house facilities.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
To re-establish home visiting for young families. Rebuild our public health system. Hire and train social workers and pay them a decent wage, as well as offering mental health care for workers

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
I have heard from parents and teachers that it is not working, and even keeps some talented and very bright students from being selected to their preferred schools.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
Yes, Maine is not populated enough to be able to afford by ourselves, but I would support Medicare for all on a national level. The cost of insurance in unsustainable, and I think health care is a right.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
I know we have to restructure home health care. I worry about carving segments of the population out to tax them. I think when we tax people it should be done carefully and respectfully.

6) Are you frustrated by the political sniping, exaggeration and even lies between the parties and their supporters that have threatened progress usually reached through respect and reasoned compromise? If so, what will you personally do to make the situation better?                                                                                 Despair is what I feel when I see the state of politics. All I can do is continue with the greatest care to be respectful, truthful, kind, and have integrity in everything I do and say.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
I was born and brought up in Ireland. Came to the U.S. at 17, with an eighth-grade education. While working and raising my boys I went to Lewiston High School, and USM for undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Speed Round

Should voters be required to show ID at the polls?                                                No.

Copy the Story Link