What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
Housing is a critical concern for my constituents, and smart growth strategies are essential to address this pressing need. We must establish clearer state-level guidance to develop housing that lowers property tax costs in the long term. This includes reviewing restrictive zoning policies that limit investment in new housing and accessory dwelling units in town and city centers, poor planning often burdening local governments and utility infrastructure costs. Additionally, investing in community housing models is vital. A modest increase to the real estate transfer tax could generate significant revenue for state-funded housing initiatives, enabling us to create more sustainable, affordable housing options for all Mainers.
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 bipartisan solutions including wind energy and grid-scale solar, which balances best use cases for land, equitable sharing of our state’s natural resources and renewable energy at a price that is competitive in today’s market without inflated subsidy. We will likely need more transmission and greater interstate cooperation to benefit regionally from our great wind resources, but must ensure it balances just transition principles that respect landowners and our legacy industries, including fishing, and include meaningful consultation with the Wabanaki Nations — all at prices that are affordable for Maine people.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
We must balance our tax code, to reduce the burden on working people and ensure those who can afford to give back are paying their fair share. Additionally, a fairer tax code would adequately ensure the largest corporations and emitters of greenhouse gas emissions in our state are paying a just share to fund the transition to renewable energy and to protect our natural resources. An energy transition will cost money. The burden must be borne by those most responsible. Working families and regressive sales taxes should not be paying the bulk of these costs.
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?
We understand even more clearly as we reflect one year out that a red-flag law is the one policy intervention that evidence shows would have reasonably made a direct impact to prevent the Lewiston mass shooting. It is incumbent on us all to heed the data and summon political will in bringing this policy into law to save lives and prevent this horrific mass shooting from happening again.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
As a young legislator who grew up on the town I now represent, I will continue to bring an advocacy focus on the most urgent political matter of our time, climate change. We see the effects upon us today. This is no longer a question of protecting future generations. There are pressing, all-encompassing crises we are experiencing from stronger, more frequent and longer lasting storms, warmer ocean waters and hotter summer temperatures leading to changing crop yields and energy needs. Climate change must impact every policy decision we make, from serious progress in our state transportation planning, to our public health resources, to electrical grid planning. I believe Mainers realize the threats we face, and expect bold progressive action on this issue.
