What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
We need to stream line the permitting process and remove burdensome regulations. In the long term we need to make it easier to do business in Maine. All costs including taxes, energy subsidies, etc make construction materials more expensive. The costs are ultimately passed onto the renters and homebuyers.
We need to continue to promote education in the trades so we have a skilled workforce.
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?
It is time for the Maine Legislature to make the costs of renewable energy transparent to the rate payers of Maine. Instead of hiding these costs in our monthly bills, let’s highlight the cost that these policies are costing our citizens and give them the opportunity to vote on what they pay for. Public policy should shift focus to concentrate on lowering the price of energy, not pushing an ideology or lining the pockets of politicians and the “green energy” corporations.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
Maine has seen historic surpluses in the last 4 years. Instead of discussions centering around returning some of those funds to those who paid them, Democrats in Maine have spent every available dollar on some programs that are not sustainable. We need to focus on our elderly who are being forced from their homes due to rising property taxes. We must end the solar tax. It is unfair to expect hard working Mainers to subsidize the entire solar industry.
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 focus must be on the mental health crisis facing the State of Maine. We must make investments in treatment facilities, counseling services and dedicated law enforcement.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
I will continue to work to find solutions for the issues facing Mainers in Senate District 3 and across the state. I hope to continue to appropriately fund our transportation system. I will continue to fight the opioid crisis that is costing us a whole generation here in Maine, with a laser focus on education and prevention. We need to protect the most vulnerable amongst us, especially our elderly who are suffering due to inflation, rising property taxes, and unsustainable energy costs.
