What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
We should consider doing a state backed (but not funded) micro finance securitization for the working poor. By backed (I mean) the state guarantees the first loss position of the securitization and thereby lowers the financing cost to borrowers. I was instrumental in building this style of financing and capability for the working poor in Central America. The key here is that they are working and are able to support a loan, this helps people that need financing at the best rates. This program makes capital available at the lowest rates to people that might not qualify normally.
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?
There are numerous environmental and long term costs that aren’t usually considered when looking at these programs. I think we should be weighing the fully vetted cost (including future clean-up and unintended damage) to all the programs on a fair and equitable basis and choose programs that are the best in those terms. An example would be drilling oil isnt just the cost to bring it to the surface and refine it. It’s transportation, clean up of the sites that have been depleted, and the cost to repatriate that land to being useful. It’s the cost of the carbon emissions as well. There are a lot of imbedded costs to all the programs that rarely make it into the equation. Lets do a deep dive into what is possible.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
Yes we should change our tax laws. We are uncompetitive with our neighbors and are losing our young, starting workers and businesses. A local tractor dealer moved across to NH because buyers would weight the total (Imbedded) cost in making their purchase. If we are not on a level playing field, we will lose more and more.

We should lower our personal property taxes and registration costs to drivers. A similar issue here. People that have multiple vehicles often have the luxury of multiple homes and will register the vehicles where the cost is not usurous. We pay a tax to buy the vehicle, and a tax to use the vehicle. It is not fair or sustainable.

Income taxes, also should be flat or lowered. We are one of the highest taxed states in the Nation. Does that attract talent? No!
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 Shooting Commission’s in-depth analysis, made it very clear that if existing law had been followed in both ME and NY, this tragedy may have been prevented.

Unfortunately, when these events occur, the knee-jerk reaction of politicians seeks to remove access to firearms. Poorly thought out, reactionary responses do precious little to keep our state safe and only affect those who are willing to abide by the law. Instead of legislation to restrict firearms, look at the big picture of why these happen in the first place.

Lets ensure that our law enforcement is properly funded, supported and trained on changes in the law. Lets prioritize the health care of our Veterans, and de-stigmatize getting help for mental health diagnoses, to become a leader in holistic health care.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
I am not a politician. I am someone that has helped craft financial solutions for highly complex multi facetted securities and difficult situations. I bring an expertise that is needed now. If people are concerned about inflation, taxes, growth and prices, those are area where I can help design solutions that will be a win-win. A win for our residents, and for the state as well. It is not one versus the other. If you have 20 apples for sale and try to get $10 apiece, you might sell one. Versus selling them for .75 cents each and selling them all. In the first case your revenue is $10 and you have 19 rotting apples that you now need to throw out. In the second case your revenue is $15 and all the apples are used and appreciated. Let’s make Maine the second case!