What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
The state should empower municipalities to issue bonds and build their own apartment buildings, enabling them to offer housing at significantly lower rates. By functioning as non-profits, these city-owned developments could avoid the high profit margins of private developers and offer affordable rental options to residents. This approach would increase the housing supply, help stabilize rents, and allow cities to address local housing shortages directly, making housing more accessible to those who are priced out of the traditional market.
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 keep modernizing its energy grid. By investing in stronger transmission lines and boosting renewable energy, the state can push for more solar and offshore wind projects while making sure locals have a say and the environment is protected. Prioritizing energy storage will help keep the grid stable. Working with regional partners will also make it easier for Maine to meet its growing electricity needs in a way that’s both sustainable and affordable. Any communities involved in hosting energy efficiency builds should be compensated with subsidies that help lower property taxes.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
Expanding revenue-sharing programs with towns and cities would help lower property taxes while ensuring municipalities can still fund vital services like schools, roads, and emergency services. Maine could also increase state funding for education and infrastructure, which are two of the largest expenses for local governments. By shifting some of this financial responsibility to the state, municipalities could reduce the reliance on property taxes. These changes would alleviate pressure on property owners, promote fairness in taxation, and help ensure that essential services continue to be delivered efficiently.
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?
I support red flag laws and will vote to fund a mental health system that makes it easier to proactively prevent and respond to gun violence. I’ll back laws that promote progress in these areas. I also support gun safety measures to keep firearms out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, including domestic abusers. Expanding mental health services with better access to counseling, crisis intervention, and long-term care is crucial.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
My main focuses are providing property tax relief for Mainers, ensuring equity, and advancing public health. I’m committed to protecting reproductive rights and ensuring Mainers have access to essential healthcare. I want to see the state work towards fully funding schools at the state level, creating a more equitable funding system so that less well-funded districts aren’t left behind, leveling the playing field for students, regardless of where they live. Additionally, I will advocate for increased state funding for tick-borne illness research to address this growing public health issue. I support further research into more effective prevention, diagnostics, and treatment methods to improve the management of tick-borne diseases in Mainers.
