Age (on Election Day): 61
Party affiliation: Republican
Occupation: Residential carpenter
Community organizations:
Oxford Advent Christian Church, AFS
Hobbies, activities etc.:
Hunting, fishing, golf, grandchildren
Family status: Married
Years in Legislature: 12
Clean Election candidate? Yes
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?
Senate District 19 has its pockets of businesses, but so much is centered around academic and health care. Manufacturing has long since declined and the service industry is a mainstay. Lowering tax rates and energy costs is what is needed to attract new enterprises into the area and increase economic activity.
Gov. Paul LePage wants to eliminate the state income tax. Do you support that? If not, why not?
I will work toward another reduction in the income tax rates. I don’t believe an outright elimination at this time is fiscally or politically possible.
Are you willing to support raising the fuel tax to fix Maine roads? If not, why not?
Raising the fuel tax is not the only option available for additional funds to improve Maine’s roads. I am willing to consider whatever recommendations the Transportation Committee produce from its’ study of funding sources.
The relationship between the governor and the Legislature has deteriorated over the past six years. What can the Legislature do to improve that relationship?
Each of the 187 individuals involved need to keep lines of communication open and maintain a willingness to work together. The legislative does not work for the executive or vise versa, both branches have to work together and not against each other. I can only control my own attitude.
What methods do you support to reduce opiate addiction in Maine?
There are three accepted methods for reducing opiate addiction; treatment, education and enforcement. DHHS currently spends over $70 million for substance abuse and the Legislature approved an increase in drug enforcement personnel last year. Whatever changes are made, I want to make sure we are not just throwing money.
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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