What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
All state and local permitting and regulatory agencies needs to continuously work towards simplifying or eliminating burdensome and expensive regulations that slows the process of applying for new housing building permits. We need to streamline the system that would encourage private investment both from in and out of state. The mindset of working with the applicant to possibly combine process steps and acting more in the capacity of providing advisory assistance is needed. Lets make it easier, not harder.
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?
Why does Maine have the third highest electricity rates in the country? Maine needs to bring all forms of electricity sources to the table and choose options that are economical, environmental, sustainable and practical. This includes hydroelectric power that needs to be given an even footing in the availability and economics of wind, solar, natural gas and other sources.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
Maine needs to make changes to its tax laws. Almost 11 cents of every dollar we make goes to pay state and local taxes, some of the highest in the country. These taxes come directly from the pockets of all, but especially of seniors in a state with the highest median age in the country. Lower taxes will greatly help encourage younger generations to stay in the state and will be more inviting to new businesses.
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?
A review of the response to the Lewiston shooting shows every level of government failed. This is in spite of existing policies that would have worked if they were implemented. What we need now are not more gun regulations or restrictions – clearly these would not have altered the outcome last October. What we do see is a failure in dealing with the obvious mental health deficits that exist. This needs to be fixed first.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
What I can bring is a life-time of experience in serving others, especially in a crisis or emergency environment. I can calmly see both sides of an issue and can help define the problem, then work hard at solving it. Using common sense; I find solutions.