What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
The lack of affordable housing is a critical issue in our state. It’s important that we
continue to offer low-interest funding for development, but I am always struck by the per
unit cost which is typically in the $300,000 / unit range and does not represent
affordable to most Mainers. In order for “affordable housing” to truly be affordable, we
need to reduce the amount of regulation and administration that follows the dollars
allocated for this purpose.
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’s energy policies must be focused on delivering reliable service and reducing
costs to all Mainers. We need full transparency on the costs, subsidies, and
environmental impact of solar, on shore, and especially offshore wind development
including the maintenance, replacement and decommissioning costs. As we enter the
heating season in Maine we are reminded that affordable and reliable energy is
necessary for survival in this state and lack thereof threatens our most vulnerable
populations.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
Given Maine’s recent ranking as 4th highest tax burden in the country this is a definite
“Yes”. I applauded the enactment of a Property Tax Freeze for the elderly in 2022 only
to see the program unfortunately be dissolved the following year due to the
administrative burden on local communities. I believe the legislature should revisit this
program in a simpler form so that we don’t tax our elderly out of their homes. It’s also
important to remember that all tax reductions should require an equal but opposite
spending reduction.
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?
Governor Mills said that “at its core, this tragedy was caused by a colossal failure of
human judgment by several people, on several occasions; a profound negligence
that…was an abdication of responsibility (as quoted on News Center Maine). The mental health and drug addiction crisis is the number one concern that I have heard from voters, and the impact on our children is tragic. I’ve also had the opportunity to tour the Penobscot County Jail and see firsthand the lack of facilities and staffing. Our law enforcement has been forced into an untenable position as the only agency in most cases responding to drug and mental health related crises. This has reached epidemic status and requires serious and
immediate response at the state level.

Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
In addition to being a small business owner for the past 27 years, I have also served my
community on both the Orono School Board as well as Town Council over the past 20
years. During my tenure I have proven to be someone who always acts with integrity
and transparency. I also bring a common sense approach with a willingness to make
difficult decisions.
I have served my community out of a sense of duty and with the sole intent of making
Orono a better place for all residents with no desire for personal gain, and I will take this
same approach for all of District 8 when you send me to Augusta