What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
There are so many, but one piece of low-hanging fruit is to go back and re-pass LD 1276, which didn’t make it through the appropriations process this past spring. Embedded within the bill was a tax credit that towns can use as a sweetener to boost the bids of co-ops who want to buy out mobile home parks where they live and prevent out-of-state investors from swooping in and jacking up the rents. Other items: If it looks like the new rent-relief pilot program we passed this year is helping, we should make it permanent. Second, more robust funding for the state’s shelter system – because shelters typically employ case workers that boost homelessness prevention efforts. It’s not just about the shelter beds themselves.
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?
Since joining the Legislature almost two years ago, I’ve embraced more of an all-of-the-above approach. While we must demonstrate clear benefits for Maine rate-payers and not just service the needs of other nearby states and provinces, I do support and have voted for new grid capacity, off-shore wind and solar. Those gains need to be protected. We also know that we need to make sure solar incentives are properly calibrated so that they work without causing collateral damage to other ratepayers. As we are electrifying so many aspects of our life, expanding grid capacity is essential. But as long as we’re talking energy, we can’t leave out the need for stronger performance benchmarks for utilities or the need to make the grid more resilient in the wake of stronger storms.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
Yes. Our tax structure isn’t sustainable and does not reflect people’s ability to pay. As demands on local government grow and the cost of local government grows, we are asking way too much of the property tax. The result, when combined with revaluations, record home sale prices and a shift of the tax burden from commercial to residential, is that working class homeowners and retirees can’t afford to stay in their homes or even their towns. The answer isn’t to cut services or restore that failed tax freeze, but rather to restructure the tax code so the wealthiest and most powerful actually pay their fair share. This and the revenue conversation should NOT be a third rail when the alternative is devastating for older Mainers. When you actually take care of people, we all do better.
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?
Yes, we need a true red flag law, and we also need much much better coordination with the armed forces so that we can identify and help veterans and service members who are slipping into crisis. We just made major investments in mental health and crisis receiving centers, and we need to broaden that network to ensure it covers all 16 counties. I personally would vote for – and I suspect a majority of District 100 voters would agree with me on this – more actual gun safety bills than what we just passed (like taking another crack at the unsuccessful bump stock ban legislation). But I’m realistic enough to understand that the politics around gun safety legislation are far more fraught outside of my district.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
I will be THE champion in the Maine House for getting rid of AFFF (PFAS-containing foam) on Brunswick Landing and across the state. We cannot repeat the disastrous spill that happened on August 19. I have three bills already submitted: One to clear all regulatory barriers to removing AFFF and mandating its removal from the Landing. Another to authorize and mandate a statewide inventory of AFFF. And another to launch an AFFF take-back program similar to what New Hampshire has. I will also be supporting State Senator Mattie Daughtry’s efforts to reform the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority and finally restore Brunswick’s voice to that part of our community. This town-within-a-town situation must end.
