Age (on Election Day): 31
Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Economic development consultant
Community organizations:
Lewiston Universally Accessible Playground Committee, chairman; Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council, board member; Androscoggin Head Start, board member; Lewiston City Council (2011-2015); Lewiston Community Development Committee (2011-2015)
Hobbies, activities etc.:
Carpentry, cycling, gardening, exploring Maine
Family status: Married; 1 child
Years in Legislature: 4
Clean Election candidate? No
Committee assignments wanted:
Appropriations and Financial Affairs; Taxation; Education and Cultural Affairs; Government Oversight
What is the most pressing problem in your district and what do you plan to do about it?
We need to foster an environment — in our community and our state — where household incomes can grow. At the state level, that means: tax relief for working- and middle-class families; equitable and productive educational opportunities from pre-K to post-high school; increasing the minimum wage; and helping businesses find qualified workers.
Gov. Paul LePage wants to eliminate the state income tax. Do you support that? If not, why not?
I’ve long advocated, and helped enact last year, major comprehensive tax reform that lowers income tax for working people, provides property tax relief for Maine residents, and exports a share of the tax burden to non-resident tourists. Eliminating the income tax in a vacuum would create perennial state budget crises.
Are you willing to support raising the fuel tax to fix Maine roads? If not, why not?
I support completely re-writing state road financing law. The gas tax does not fairly represent road wear-and-tear by a vehicle; a pay-per-mile system would be more equitable, e.g., a hybrid vehicle and non-hybrid vehicle of similar size wear-and-tear the same roads but pay different amounts of gas tax.
The relationship between the governor and the Legislature has deteriorated over the past six years. What can the Legislature do to improve that relationship?
My record of accomplishment in Augusta is in large part due to my ability to work collaboratively and honestly with lawmakers, LePage administration officials, advocates, and the public, to come up with constructive solutions to big picture problems. That’s not the governor’s style, but I always welcome collaboration with him.
What methods do you support to reduce opiate addiction in Maine?
The state and its partners (law enforcement, treatment providers, health care providers, community groups) need to be tough on drug trafficking and compassionate and generous with addiction treatment. I supported a modest increase in funding for law enforcement and treatment earlier this year, but more can be done.
How are you voting on the referendum questions?
Question 1: No
Question 2: Yes
Question 3: Yes
Question 4: Yes
Question 5: Yes
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