What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
Let the free market, supply and demand, entrepreneurs, and the legislative bodies of each municipality create the environment for housing opportunities within each unique town situation. Repeal the overwhelmingly opposed and unpopular LD 2003, or at least, release the mandate. It is not the role of the state government to negate or interfere with local control and democratically-enacted town ordinances and comprehensive plans.
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?
· Repeal Net Energy Billing program to reduce ratepayers’ electricity bills.
· Encourage nuclear energy production as well as natural gas to meet demand.
· Free domestic industry to mine and process critical minerals for the growing demand of “clean energy” technologies including solar panels, wind turbines and batteries.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
Ultimately, the greatest benefit to the taxpayer would be to reduce unnecessary or unconstitutional spending. In addition,
· Remove the income tax (increase business, discretionary spending, workforce influx)
· Explore a homestead scale for the elderly
· Repeal Paid Family Leave tax and relieve extra tax burden on employers and employees
· Relieve county (tax) burden on jails with reimbursement for federal inmates.
· Tree Growth: increase percentages that towns receive for reimbursement
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?
More support is needed for our law enforcement, military leaders and hospital staff in identifying signs and processing through channels to help and restrain those who suffer from mental health issues. Similarly, we should help identify ways and organizations who can guide the victims and family members through healing. There should also be support, guidance, and training for town officials who are tasked with navigating through these crises and leading their residents.
Further gun control legislation is not the answer as the Independent Commission’s report stated: the “Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office had sufficient probable cause to both take Card into protective custody under Maine’s yellow flag law and start a petition to confiscate his firearms.”
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
As a small business owner, homeschool mom, registered Maine guide, 19yr select board chair, and now Broadband Director for the non-profit Somerset Economic Development Corp., I carry a rural Maine perspective and am acquainted with the struggles families and businesses face. I look forward to listening to, re-presenting and serving my constituents so that the decisions out of Augusta protect their rights and abide by the Constitution.