What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
Reducing taxes in Maine, which are amongst the highest in the nation, need to be reduced to enable people to afford housing. Prices for rent have also soared. People are struggling to meet these overwhelming financial demands. In addition, wages in Maine have not increased proportionally.
Regulations serve as an impediment to building affordable housing.With costs continually rising, availability is decreasing. Creating incentives for builders to expand the housing supply will unleash the ingenuity for developers.
Transmission lines, solar incentives and offshore wind development have been controversial over the past several years. What steps should Maine take to meet growing demand for electricity?
We need to stop subsidizing solar companies “The OPA estimated this year that Net Energy Billing (NEB), the mechanism used to subsidize community solar, will cost Maine ratepayers $220 million by 2025.”
CMP and Versant, “Maine’s two largest utilities, are required to buy community solar output at a premium and then sell the energy at a loss on energy markets.” Their losses are recouped by charging higher fees to Mainers via “stranded costs.” Mainers are now seeing outlandish hikes in their electricity bills. In addition, the profits from most solar companies do not remain in Maine.
Maine should investigate the use of nuclear power. It is a a low carbon, and inexpensive electricity source.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
It is incontrovertible that Mainers are among the most taxed in the Nation. Changes to reduce high taxes needs to be implemented to stop the suffering of so many in Maine. Our seniors on fixed incomes cannot afford Maine’s high taxes. I want to introduce legislation to enable seniors to afford rent, food, and medicine and to remain in their homes while living out their lives.
High tax laws are also making it difficult for young people to own homes. There was a time when if you worked hard and made the right choices, you could buy a home. This was the American dream but this dream is, unfortunately, becoming an illusion.
We are closing in on the one-year anniversary of the Lewiston mass shooting. Are further legislative responses required around guns, mental health, supporting victims and families or other policy areas?
My heart was burdened in sorrow for the victims of the Lewiston shooting. The need for more mental health services is vital, not only to prevent future shootings, but to provide help and services to victims of crime, and to first responders.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
I was educated as a marriage & family therapist and gravitated into advocacy work with a strong impulse to protect children, families, and the vulnerable. I advocated for new legislation that protected domestic violence victims and children of abuse. I also supported and advocated for new policies that prevented children from harm and that provided healthcare and educational programs for young children. Further I’ve spearheaded environmental campaigns and projects to educate professionals that serve children and families. In addition, I was a former business owner.
I bring to the legislature a proven track record, a can-do attitude, and a deep desire to serve that was formed from my childhood experiences growing up in an orphanage. My only agenda is to fairly represent my constituents.