What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
Maine is facing an urgent housing crisis and needs to construct over 88,000 units by 2030. There are many solutions to our housing crisis, and building is just one piece of the puzzle we’re facing. We must work on reforming the housing permitting process to curb the rising housing costs, all while ensuring the safety of our homes. We must also address our State and local zoning laws, which currently dictate what type of housing can be built and where. A bill I sponsored, Ld 337, requires a municipality to allow manufactured housing wherever single-family dwellings are permitted. This change will significantly contribute to housing affordability. We must not forget the social injustices that stand in the way of people accessing safe, affordable housing and find ways to end these injustice
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 essential for our state to hold utility companies accountable for their massive price increases, poor performances, and unreliable delivery. Our collective voice can bring about the change we need. Clean energy sources such as solar and wind not only reduce costs but also significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and enhance energy security. Diversifying energy sources and creating jobs in the renewable energy sector will contribute to environmental sustainability, mitigate climate change, boost our economy, and provide new opportunities for our workforce.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
Mainers deserve a fair tax system. When corporations receive lucrative tax breaks and fail to pay their fair share in taxes, they profit from the hard work of Mainers. Maine currently has hundreds of tax expenditure programs, also known as tax giveaway programs. These programs cost the state money. I would like to see those tax giveaways prioritized to meet the needs of everyday Mainers, who are the heart and soul of our state, before being given to billion-dollar corporations. Large corporate tax giveaways need reform. They shift costs onto other Maine taxpayers, removing needed finances from critical public priorities. We must work to increase program transparency and accountability to our state tax expenditure programs.
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 am still grieving the mass shooting that took place in Lewiston, for the lives lost, for the trauma and pain it left behind. This tragedy forever changed the face of Maine as we knew it. I was raised in a hunting family and fully respect one’s right to own a gun. This debate is not about removing guns from law-abiding citizens. The discussion is not about taking away Second Amendment rights. It is about common sense policies that save lives and reduce suicide, homicides, and violent crimes. Policies that protect our children from gun-related accidents. We must continue to develop common sense solutions to unnecessary gun violence and work together to do all that we can to prevent a tragedy like what happened in Lewiston from ever happening again.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
I am the current State House Representative for House District 99. These past two years have been an incredible honor and learning experience. I’m proud of what we accomplished during the last session, and in particular, I’m happy that all of my bills got through the committee and the House and Senate in my first term. This process involved rigorous debate, careful consideration, and collaboration with my colleagues, as well as listening and involving those with personal experiences on the issues to get better, more robust policies. I wish to return to Augusta with all of the knowledge I have gained and continue the honor of representing our District’s voices and building upon the successes of the 131st legislature and the work I did in my first term.
