Party affiliation:
Republican
Social media accounts:
Robert A. McCarthy for State Representative District 93
Occupation:
Former Sun Journal production manager
Education:
LHS, USM, CMCC
Community Organizations:
Ward 2 City Councilor; Lewiston Finance Committee; Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport Board; Protect Lake Auburn Group; former president, LHS Swim Boosters; former vice president, LHS Soccer Boosters; River Island Master Plan Selection Committee; former president of the Allen Pond Improvement Association.
Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Softball, disc golf, trivia competitions spending quality time with my seven grandchildren, helping my children with repairs and improvements to their homes. I am a fifth-generation Lewiston resident who is proud to serve my constituents and call this city my home.
Family status:
Married for 46 years to my wife Janet
Years in the Legislature:
None
Committee assignments (if elected):
State and Local Government Committee, Labor and Housing Committee, Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee
Q&A
Define what “success” would look like if you are elected to serve your district.
A successful term in the Legislature will be defined by a positive outcome for the citizens of Lewiston and all of Maine. We are facing a financial challenge in the coming year as the $2.6 billion in federal aid dries up. Balancing the budget without raising taxes or dipping into the Rainy Day fund will be another measure of success.
A goal of mine is a Parents Bill Of Rights. Parents should have a voice in what their children are exposed to in our school systems. They need to have input into the curriculum and be made aware of in advance of what their children will be taught.
The housing shortage is another area that needs to be focused on. Successfully addressing this issue will temper the skyrocketing cost of rent, keep more financially stressed individuals in their homes and provide more rental options.
The high cost of building public housing needs to be looked at. Projects in Lewiston cost upward of $350,000 per unit to build.
Creation of programs to address the homeless crisis facing Lewiston and other cities around the state is another problem area that needs serious attention. Mental health issues and substance abuse are the main drivers of homelessness and intensive outreach programs to help those in trouble are needed.
Characterize your view on public access to governmental business.
Public access to government business is an integral part of our form of government and needs to be protected. It helps keep politicians and government employees honest and above board. Public access also keeps the citizens informed of what is going on and how the problems are being addressed.
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