Age (on Election Day): 44
Party affiliation: Republican
Occupation: Homemaker
Community organizations:
Homeschooling support groups; local church youth outreach; Wilton Rec Youth Programs
Hobbies, activities etc.:
I love the Maine outdoors! Mountain climbing, biking, downhill and x-country skiing, section hiking the Appalachian and riding ATV define some of the best moments in life, especially when joined by my family.
Family status: Married to Blue; 3 children, Loren, Summer and Sierra
Years in Legislature: 0
Clean Election candidate? Yes
Committee assignments wanted:
Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development; Education and Cultural Affairs
What is the most pressing problem in your district and what do you plan to do about it?
Lack of viable employment is the most pressing issue facing western Maine. I am passionate to facilitate growth in private enterprise. My priority will be to work with job-creating businesses and entrepreneurs to identify and eliminate burdensome regulations that stifle growth. Unencumbered, Maine people will create new opportunities.
Gov. Paul LePage wants to eliminate the state income tax. Do you support that? If not, why not?
Philosophically, the governor is on the right path. From an economic perspective income tax is job killer. However, as property valuations and tax bills increase, western Maine homeowners feel threatened by a mounting burden. Maine people should feel secure in their homes, particularly our elderly and those on fixed incomes.
Are you willing to support raising the fuel tax to fix Maine roads? If not, why not?
Infrastructure is important, but I do not support raising the taxes of Maine people; there is not an unlimited bucket from which to draw. However, an increased fuel tax, in conjunction with lowering other taxes, could be useful in shifting the cost of road upkeep to tourists and merits consideration.
The relationship between the governor and the Legislature has deteriorated over the past six years. What can the Legislature do to improve that relationship?
The governor and Legislature are equally culpable concerning the dysfunction occurring in Augusta. I will do my part to foster an environment of collaboration through being willing to listen and receptive to the ideas of others. My strongest campaign message is that of working together.
What methods do you support to reduce opiate addiction in Maine?
My family and I have been personally and painfully impacted by this epidemic issue. Education is key. We need greater understanding of the triggers and symptoms of opioid abuse to know when and how to intervene. Combating the epidemic requires collaboration of caregivers, law enforcement and the medical community.
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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