What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
The state needs more housing that working families can afford. A recent legislative report estimates we will need over 84,000 new housing units by 2030. We need to create incentives for developers to focus on housing that Mainers can afford. This problem has been decades in the making and will not be solved by any one policy change in Augusta. We need every community focused on building more housing.
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?
As demand for electricity grows, it is essential that Maine become increasingly energy-independent, and that access to a stable source of electricity is affordable and accessible for all Mainers. That means ensuring the security and long-term durability of our grid while making thoughtful, community-centric decisions around procurement of energy.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
Our tax code should be designed to enable Mainers to access the services and resources they need to thrive. That means ensuring that wealthy special interests pay their fair share and that the state is providing municipalities with the resources they need to fund critical services, without placing undue burdens on individual taxpayers.
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?
Mainers continue to struggle to gain access to mental health care. People in crisis are waiting many months to receive care. Children are waiting for weeks in emergency departments because there are not enough spaces for people to receive treatment. We need to recruit and educate more mental health counselors and pay them competitive wages so they will stay.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
Waldo County (Senate District 11) is made up of 26 rural communities. Our quality of life can be very high but it is hard for people to make it here. My passion is on increasing opportunities for people to earn family-sustaining wages, and strengthening our critical institutions including fire departments, EMS, nursing care, schools, and health clinics.