What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
There is no one policy and the state is unfortunately further handcuffed by federal and other policies beyond its control. However, the state needs to review its regulatory environment from design, oversight and environmental concerns. Building and permitting regulations should be reviewed on a cost/benefit analysis with the understanding that departments need to coordinate oversight, and concerns. There needs to be a realistic emphasis on expediency and cost effectiveness. Unfortunately, there is little reward or incentive for overseers and bureaucracy to act in this manner. Having been involved in subdivisions, I know that it can be overwhelming. Furthermore, the influx of new individuals into Maine requiring housing adds to demand, driving up prices in general.
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?
Maine has made several missteps on energy in recent years resulting in unnecessarily excessive costs to rate payers. One only needs to review electricity rates of municipal power companies to see where these missteps have taken us. We need to place an emphasis, first, on clean, affordable hydro power. For example, the percentage of hydropower making up Canada’s total electricity generation is over 60%. In Maine, legislation supporting solar and wind have been voted in while purposely hampering the use of hydro-electricity. Also, natural gas, which is a much cleaner fossil fuel than coal and other fossil fuels, can act as an affordable bridge to reach future green energy goals. In the long run, we need to review nuclear energy which is now safer, inexpensive and has zero carbon emissions.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
YES, a complete review of Maine’s tax laws are in order. As you will hear repeatedly, Maine is currently the fourth highest taxed state in the nation, now ahead of Mass. and California. Add to that, Maine’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave Act that will increase payroll taxes an additional 1% on employers of 15 and over beginning January 2025. What’s more, we have the highest property tax burden in the U. S., while Maine holds the distinction of having the oldest avg. age of any U. S. state. This translates to the elderly, on fixed incomes, burdened with very high property taxes which are becoming more unaffordable, due to rampant state spending increases. Taxes and spending are inextricably interconnected and the application of different taxes emits changes in people’s behavior.
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?
Maine certainly needs to follow up when it comes to involvement with mental health issues such as this. It’s distressing that in this case, Maine’s yellow flag was designed precisely to deal with this type of situation that presented itself in the Lewiston shootings. Several missed opportunities introduced themselves to remove Card’s firearms and there were very obvious signs for months that he had severe mental disorders including hallucinations. In the 129th legislature, Maine lawmakers worked in a bi-partisan manner to usher in Maine’s first yellow flag law. This law allowed the removal of guns from an individual with mental health issues while following due process. This is a case of laws requiring the proper follow up and execution with investment and training to law enforcement
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
Having had an opportunity to work with many legislators in past years, I have a great appreciation for what those with different backgrounds and avocations offer in understanding implications of legislation. My background has involved both economics and a wide range of finance. Much of my focus has involved insurance, both property and health insurance, general finance and banking. This assists in flushing out the issues that new legislation can introduce. It’s important to note that all legislation comes with trade-offs and it’s imperative to weigh those trade-offs in determining the net benefit of any proposed bill. Additionally, I have been involved with school choice for more than two decades. It’s my desire to allow parents greater say and choice in their child’s education.