What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
We need to reduce regulation. It’s estimated that 25% of the cost of a new home is government regulation. The regulatory burden includes costs associated with permitting, land development, construction codes and other financial burdens that increase the cost of a new home. If someone is trying to build a $200,000 home about $50,000 of it is the result of government regulations. We need to take a hard look at why these regulations are there, and are they all really necessary?
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?
Maine needs to take an energy agnostic approach that is good for the ratepayers. Paying $.21/ kWh for energy from solar and wind is not a smart choice when energy from clean, renewable, carbon free hydropower is around $.05/kwh. It doesn’t pass the straight face test on any metric to keep pushing this net energy billing scam that is lining the pockets of out of state corporations while causing catastrophic increases to customers bills here in Maine. Offshore wind is one of the worst ideas ever contemplated. The proponents of wind and solar say that man made carbon is the problem and that we must do everything we can to reduce it, but their argument seems pretty bogus when they reject hydropower and nuclear as good options.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
We are in the top 4 highest taxed states in the country. When it comes to property tax based on income we are near the top. Yes, we should do something. I’d almost start anywhere. I think property tax is probably the most unfair and cruel tax. I think we should do what we can to reduce it. Many Mainers saw huge property tax increases, as much as 20% with no warning. We need to put a cap on property tax increase so this can’t happen. If Republicans are given the majority in November we will pass bills to reduce property taxes.
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?
The findings of the Lewiston commission were very clear: there were many failures by law enforcement and the military in regards to the shooter Robert Card. The commission found that Maine’s current laws could have been used to prevent the tragedy. I’m a strong supporter of the Constitution, including the 2nd amendment and the Maine Constitution which has strong protections for firearms ownership. I believe that we should do what we can to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals. To that end Maine passed a very unique law called “yellow flag” a few years ago that struck a balance between giving law enforcement a mechanism to temporarily remove firearms from people who are a danger to society while also retaining due process protections to do so. This law works.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
It might not be unique, but I am a parent of 3 children in a two parent household. I believe that being in this position as a politician really gives me the ability to identify, relate with, and work for the average Mainer. I know how much it costs to raise a family, and buy groceries in these tough times, and I think sometimes politicians are out of touch with the needs and struggles of every day workers and families. I have a job, and I have a family to support. I think those are pretty good qualifications for someone that’s going to Augusta to represent the people of their community. Then of course there’s the fact that live in a fishing community, and I’ve spent my life on the water. The people of my district see me on their level, and they know I’m one of them.
