What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
Maine is an old state. We need to help our seniors age in place and keep them away from the waiting lists for senior housing. I was proud to work with Senator Trey Stewart to enact the senior property tax stabilization fund which was repealed this current session. Maine has far too many regulations and permitting problems for housing. We need to make land available for housing instead of making giant solar fields.
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?
Our electricity rates are unsustainable and we cannot keep blaming the providers. They are forced by the PUC to add on to our electric bill all costs associated with solar farms. Next year ratepayers have to pony up $220 million dollars because of solar subsidies. This state does not subsidize oil or natural gas why should we be subsidizing solar? We need to allow more of our dams to put more energy on the grid rather than forcing certain percentages of our power to solar and wind which are the most expensive energy we use.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
I spent 12 years in the Maine House, 10 of those years on the Taxation Committee, . On 2 different occasions we lowered income taxes substantially for every single Mainer. I lead the Taxation Committee in bringing the sales tax fairness credit and the property tax fairness credit. Both of those programs were designed to help the less fortunate. I also worked with Sen. Trey Stewart on .his senior property tax stabilization bill. It passed and helped seniors throughout the state until the current legislature repealed it. I will bring it back
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?
We need to use the laws and tools that are already available. Had the yellow flag law been utilized the mass shooting in Lewiston would not have happened.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
I will continue to build relationships across the aisle with the other party as I have always done. I plan to remain on the Taxation Committee and lead the way in lowering taxes for all Maine Citizens.