What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
The best thing the State of Maine could do to help with housing is to GET OUT OF THE WAY. Bureaucrats have driven up the cost of building with excessive permitting, regulations and overburdensome requirements and those cause delays and just add to the cost of construction. Prevailing Wage requirements limits the number of contractors who are willing or able to participate in public housing projects thus driving up the cost for homeowners and renters. The private sector knows best on how to build and work with potential home buyers to meet the growing needs for housing.
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 needs to stop picking winners and losers and focus on affordable and reliable electricity. Taxpayers and Ratepayers should NOT be forces to subsidize solar or off-shore wind that just pushes an ideology and lines the pockets of the so-called green energy fly by night companies. Hydro is about as green energy as it gets but Augusta now calls it brown energy and caps its use to push its solar and offshore wind Ponzi schemes. I do support expanding investment into trash incineration which reduces the landfill refuse by about 90% and generates truly clean energy.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
In the last four years, Maine has had record surpluses pouring into the State. Rather than return the money to the Taxpayers and create meaningful tax reforms, the Democrats with one party control have expanded government programs and created a further cycle of dependency. Much of our workforce shortage is a direct result of paying people NOT to work. I wholeheartedly support a safety net for our most vulnerable Mainers, a hand up – not a hand out. We need to reduce the size and scope of government and I will continue to fight for Mainers. I will vote AGAINST any spending of public funds for persons who are not lawfully present and once again submit legislation to prohibit Sanctuary Cities from receiving any Maine Tax Dollars on Illegals.
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 tragedy hit very close to home for me. Both Jason Walker and Mike Deslauriers graduated a year ahead me and in a small School, you get to know each other. I pray for comfort and continued healing for Jason and Mikes families and all the families who lost loved ones that horrific day. I pray that we as a state can do better help those suffering from mental health issues and disorders and nothing like this ever happens again.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
My leadership and experience set me apart from my opponent. I have served my community for more than 30 years. I am a Selectman and Moderator, served as County Commissioner for eight years and State Representative for six years. I have both Public Service and Private Sector experience and bring true Common Sense to Augusta. I would be honored to continue to be YOUR voice and I ask for your vote and support.
