What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
The housing crisis will require a targeted and multi-faceted approach. There is no one size fits all for the housing needs of young people looking for their first home, seniors who want to stay in their homes, and for those suffering from addiction, mental illness or economic insecurity. The solutions need to be timely, but aimed at sustainability. I support rent relief and reasonable protections for renters in the short term. In the long term, I support co-housing initiatives, programs to upgrade our older housing stock so seniors can remain in their homes, and incentives such as tax credits for the development of affordable housing for working Mainers. We need to increase our housing stock without sacrificing our important historic neighborhoods or our natural resources.
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?
First of all, Maine utilities need to be accountable for both the cost of electricity and its delivery. Maine citizens need to be their priority, not their shareholders. We all need reliable and affordable power, especially in the case of seniors who may be living primarily on Social Security or other fixed incomes. We must continue to transition to an economy based on renewable resources and build the infrastructure that allows us to invest in clean energy. Transitioning away from fossil fuels will, in the long run, help us to avoid the unpredictability and volatility of the fossil fuel market, as well as lessening Maine’s contributions to climate change and the devastating climate events we have seen over the past several years.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
The rising cost of living has impacted everyone but especially workers at the lower end of salary scales and those living on fixed incomes. We need to create a fairer tax structure in which wealthy Mainers pay their fare share so those with far less income do not carry more than their share of the load. Over the past few years the Legislature has provided a large amount of tax relief through programs such as the refundable child tax credit, and increasing the deduction for annual pensions. Tax credits like these have provided some relief to those who really need it. Further changes in the tax structure should focus on having the wealthiest among us pay their share.
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?
Having spent all of my working career in teaching or mental health, I recognize the need to continue to invest in Maine’s behavioral and health care system, particularly in rural areas, where timely service has been difficult. Mental health workers, including social workers, need decent salaries, good training and support systems and we need more of them in rural areas and hospitals, including 24/7 crisis intervention services. I also support common sense gun policies including expanded background checks, expanding Maine’s existing “yellow flag” law, and a waiting period for most firearm purchases. MaIne has a history of gun ownership and hunting and I do not support policies which take guns away from law-abiding citizens.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
My background as an educator, foster parent and mental health worker has led me to value and advocate for high quality education for all Maine students and to value the irreplaceable support that a strong family can provide. I support continued work on an equitable funding formula for Maine schools, that insures all the associated benefits of public school education, such as nutrition programs, pre-school programs, support for public libraries and support for families in crisis. As a representative, I would advocate for and support strong wages for all school personnel. Building a strong education system and stable families will insure Maine’s civic life.
