What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
We need to create a tax credit propgram for builders and developers. Tax credits for builders will be a great incentive to address the housing shortages at all levels. The results will have a powerful economic impact. No one policy can address the multi-layers of housing needs, such as first-time buyers, elderly housing, work force and low-income housing. Incentivizing builders is a great start.
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?
Not developing alternative sources of energy is not an option. I believe we are in a transformation period when it comes to providing reliable, economical, and environmentally friendly sources of energy. We need to be open to new clean energy options for the sake of future generations.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
We are too dependent on local property taxes which are overly affecting small businesses and poor people. Yes, the state should make changes to our existing tax laws. Currently 43 states utilize local option sales tax. As a result a positive shift has occurred. For example, it has granted revenue flexibility to local governments, provided funds for programs and services without tapping state funds, allows flexability of local revenues, shifted tax burden to nonresidents, and placed taxing and spending decisions closer to residents. As with the current tax collecting approach there are pros and cons. I believe the pros far out way the cons based on overwhelming evidence across the country.
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?
Clearly, we need to invest more into Maine’s behavioral health care and mental health services. Also, we need to enact common-sense policies to reduce gun violence with a goal to prevent such tragedies from happening. I do not know any group who seeks to take away guns from law-abiding Maine gun owners. We should all champion responsible gun ownership and gun safety laws.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
I have a unique set of experience and skills from a diverse career in sports, education, business, community service as a volunteer, and as an elected official. I have demonstrated the ability to bring people together for a common cause. We need to educate students K-12 in the fundamentals of financial literacy. This will especially benefit students in the skill trades to learn the fundamentals of money management to establish and succeed. Also, I support osmall business and small business development. For too long we have pushed the tax burden onto the backs of the middle class and small business owners. At the same time, we have allowed big business and the ultra-wealthy to not contribute their fair share to the tax burden.