What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
Housing is a complex issue. There isn’t one answer, but a policy should include the following elements: public-private partnerships, tax incentives for builders, increased first time homebuyer program support and rent relief that is fair for renters and landlords.
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?
We should prioritize clean energy as it is shown to provide good-paying jobs and lower long-term costs as well as protecting our natural resources. However, no one should have to decide between groceries or their health and electric bills. We must make a slow transition and provide a number of sources of energy. Additionally, utilities must be held accountable for reliability, and infrastructure improvements.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
My priorities are to make sure the tax structure that is fair to those that need it – working families, seniors and those with fixed incomes. There should be specific tax credits that will spur investment and protect core industries like farming, fishing and forest products. I want to make sure the state continues to support tax relief, maintains the Property Tax Fairness Credit for Mainers who are 65 or older.
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?
This is an emotional answer for me as I had friends that should have been at the sites and who lost friends that night. Additionally, my opponent stated that it was the wrath of God for the legislature voting to protect the reproductive rights of women. This type of tragedy should never happen again. I believe that we can enact common sense measures that prevent gun violence, and injuries and still protect the 2nd Amendment. We need to continue to strengthen the “yellow flag” law, continue to support crisis intervention and invest in mental health. We must not enact any policy that takes guns away from law-abiding Mainers. There should be honest conversation regarding background checks, waiting periods, types and sizes of magazines and other areas where there should be common ground.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
As a veterinarian, my career has always been about serving others. I want to do just the same in Augusta. I will represent everyone in District 67 (Fairfield / Benton), not just the ones who voted for me. I will foster respectful conversation and hopefully help create a more productive State House. Finally, I am very focused on long-term sustainable methods to help in the remediation of PFAS contamination.
