Q. What are you running for?

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I am running for re-election for a seat in the State Legislature – House of Representatives. I will represent District 83, which is comprised of Harrison, Bridgton and Denmark. The term is 2 years.

 

Q. What qualities, skills and experiences do you possess that make you the best candidate for the job?

 

I just have completed my second term in the Legislature. As your state representative for the past 4 years, I have continued to gain valuable experience in many areas of state government.  In addition to serving in the House of Representatives, I also served on the State and Local Government Joint Standing Committee.

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Too many times I have found the legislative process driven in a direction based on existing structured political parties casting block votes in order to preserve or enhance their party's power.  As an Independent, I can have an open mind and listen to the various views on issues before making a decision based on community needs and keeping an eye spending.  

 

I believe my commitment and involvement in the communities allows me to understand the importance in each issue from the constituent perspective and maintain my commitment to a conservative budget where spending is appropriate within our means. My twenty plus years providing financial oversight for a non-profit community action agency has given me a background and understanding of community needs and managing financial resources.

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The last two years has shown a tremendous increase in constituent services. The pandemic caused great financial and emotional stress for many individuals and families. Linking people to timely and available help and resources is crucial. My involvement in the community for the last 30 years and working in social service settings for over 25 years, has given me beneficial insights into the resources and programs available the children, individuals and businesses in our district.

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Key elements to any successful outcome requires the ability to listen and communicate respectfully while conducting oneself with accountability, transparency and integrity.

 

Q What do you think the voters top issues are?

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• Inflation

• Drug Addiction and Mental Health

• Violence in Society

• Environment

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Q. What would you consider the top three accomplishments made during the last legislative session?

 

• Disbursement of special Federal Covid Funding: The influx of federal pandemic funds provided several opportunities. After years of financial neglect, a supplemental budget provided relief to the healthcare system in the form of funding for health care workers, Behavorial/Mental Health programming, Maine hospitals, and nursing homes. Hopefully this will stabilize the workforce crisis and start to bring relief to the healthcare system. 

• Financial Relief for Families: Although I don't necessarily agree with the total amount expended on checks, the financial relief direct aid checks was important. Also included in the budget was an increase in the Earned Income Credit to families with income under $57,414. Improvements to the Home Energy Assistance Program were made to make the application process less cumbersome.

• Funding for education: Included free 2 year college tuition at Maine's Community Colleges, a free universal school program and establishment of the Maine Service Fellows Program with the goal of keeping college graduates working here in Maine. 

• Also click here to see other Legislative Accomplishments

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Q. As Maine continues to bounce back from the pandemic, what three areas should state government focus on and what possible solutions would you propose?

 

• Upgrades to certain outdated or inefficient state services.

  • During the pandemic we encountered significant operational problems of critical government services connected to key agencies  such as the Department of Labor, and the Department of Human Services.

• Rebuilding a new economy model.

  • The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) should conduct a state-wide assessment

• Identify and  the violence connected with gun safety and regulations

 

Q. When re-elected, what items/issues would be priorities and what might be ways to address them?

• Substance Abuse, and Mental Health

  • Adequate resources need to be channeled into these issues. Rather than relying on law enforcement to fix the problems, solutions that focus on education, prevention and rehabilitation will provide positive long-term results.

• Public Education

  • We have to take a serious look at how to reinvent education. The old brick and mortar style of education may need to change. The COVID crisis forced us to take an immediate look at the system but we may need to change to a system that incorporates new technology and innovative teaching strategies.

• Gun Violence and Public Safety

 

Q. What are the three biggest challenges Maine faces in the next three years?

• Breaking the extreme partisan culture in politics.

• Maintaining essential services while reducing overall state expenditures.

• Insure election integrity and process as needed.

 

Q. How should state government go about addressing those challenges?

• Partisanship: Unfortunately, over the last decade the style of political leadership has changed. Dominated by extreme elements in both organized political parties, the business of legislating has been relegated to neither side wanting to give ground, compromise or find resolution to deal with many issues. The role of the political moderate needs to be reestablished.

• Budget practices:

• Reform government: State government needs to be more accountable and transparent to the people they serve. We should institute 4 year staggered terms instead of a cycle of every 2 years. There should be term limits of 8 years maximum in the House and Senate. No more career politicians.

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Q. What do you think is the most pressing matter that pertains to the next generation of Mainers who may be voting for the first time? 

 

Answer: The most pressing matters include access to affordable higher education and offering incentives to keep them in Maine with good paying jobs and opportunities. Maintaining "the way life should be" culture.

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Q. I understand you are running as a CLEAN ELECTION CANDIDATE. What exactly does that mean and why should I care?

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A. Being a CLEAN ELECTION CANDIDATE is very important to my election campaign. If you are concerned about big money and power brokers having too much influence over the election process then you should consider supporting the Clean Election Act and help support Clean Election Candidates who have pledged not to accept funds from Political Action Committees or Corporations.

 

Find out more by clicking here: Maine Clean Elections

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