What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
Regulations, permits, inspections, and fees for construction of homes and housing units take too much time and unnecessarily increase the cost of construction.
We must reduce the permitting requirements, red tape and long timelines for new home and rental construction thereby making construction quicker and less costly.
Permitting costs for a new multi-unit project average upwards of $25,000 per unit.
As with all costs of construction, those costs will always be passed on to renters and homebuyers.
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?
State policy provides preferential treatment and subsidies to solar and wind sources of electricity. We no longer shop for the least expensive sources of electricity.
Hydro-electric power is the cheapest, and most reliable source of electricity but Maine laws have placed a 100 mega watt cap on hydro power.
On average, solar panels have a life expectancy of 20-30 years and disposal is a problem due to metals used in construction, like Lead, Gallium arsenide and Cadmium telluride, which are harmful to humans and the environment
In contrast, the average lifespan of a hydro-electric dam is 100 years, and much longer with regular maintenance and upgrades.
Our public policy focus should be on lowering the price of energy, not pushing the ideology of so-called green energy.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
Maine is the fourth highest taxed state in the US and has the highest property taxes.
YES!!!! Changes are definitely needed. Tax subsidies for special interests like solar and wind power are wrong. Eliminate them!
The property tax stabilization program for seniors and disabled residents was taken away in 2024. Bring it back!
Stop using tax dollars to preferentially pay the expenses of the increasing migration population.
The majority party in Augusta pushes for more and more taxes and spends every dollar they collect, mostly on new programs and increased payments largely in the form of cash welfare.
The Legislature needs to take immediate action to lower the tax burden on Maine’s WORKING families and our senior citizens by reining in out of control state spending.
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?
The Lewiston Commission report revealed that we lost precious lives because our current system failed.
We must provide more effective mental health services for people who are suffering from mental health disorders while maintaining a system that balances public safety while preserving our 2nd Amendment rights.
We also need dedicated law enforcement training to address these challenging situations and there must be better communication between medical providers and law enforcement personnel.
Punishing all the legal gun owners in Maine because of the actions of one mentally unhealthy person would not have prevented this tragedy.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
I am a lifelong resident of Fort Kent and better known as Dr Lucien Daigle
For 44 years I have helped people with their dental health needs. I extend a heart-felt, thank you to all who have trusted me with their dental care.
During these 44 years, I have had the privilege of listening to people and hearing about their lives, both the good things and the difficult. I have heard their concerns, and the problems they encounter.
These conversations have given me much insight about what the residents of Northern Maine consider important which enables me to better represent them.
I will bring real life experience and common sense to Augusta where political experience has failed to keep Maine affordable and profitable.
I have heard you, I understand you, and will faithfully speak up for you.