What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
I am fortunate to be immersed in the real estate industry and connected with national real estate investors. Historically, the American Dream was to own a home. Now, it has transitioned to have a home – own or rent. Rental has become an emerging opportunity that provides flexibility for the residents. We need to develop housing communities that address the needs of the hourly employees as well as those on fixed income, in locations that provide access to all the daily needs; food, transportation and other businesses necessary to live comfortably. When the Brunswick Naval Base closed, an enterprise zone was established with tax credit and incentives to entice development. We need to bring that to other parts of the state to help encourage housing starts.
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?
Our utility costs in Maine are very expensive. We keep adding fees to our utility bills to subsidize the grants to build these projects. I am not opposed to energy conservation. It shouldn’t be paid for by the residents with taxes on our bills for the companies to reap the rewards. We have put the cart before the horse on some of these opportunities. Where will these products be disposed? Who is responsible to manage this, ensuring it doesn’t pollute our natural resources? Our Internet costs is tied for the 4th highest in the country, 10th highest in natural gas.
A significant focus was placed on heat pumps with additional incentives, which are not as efficient in our cold months requiring more electricity consumption at a higher rate year over year.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
Maine’s tax rate is higher than most states – ranked 4th highest in 2021 for personal income tax. Maine also has some of the oldest population in the country. We attempted to create a tax stabilization program for our older residents, who are the foundation to this state. This was revoked. When an individual can’t pay their taxes, the state will take it out of the sale of their property after their death, essentially liquidating a family homestead that has been generationally significant. Maine shouldn’t be pricing its residents out of their homes in the form of taxes.
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?
Maine’s Yellow Flag Law had some significant gaps in coverage. Recent legislation has tried address some of these elements. Part of the problem is that different states have different gun laws, and aren’t using a unified data base to ensure that individuals that wish to purchase guns have had a thorough vetting from a national platform. The lack of communication surrounding the individual responsible for the Lewiston shooting looks like it could have been avoided, if we had proper communication from all parties who had access to the individual’s records which should have shared with the appropriate officials.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
I have more than 30 years of real estate industry experience. As a partner and owner of a national real estate magazine, I communicate regularly with real estate investors across the country. I am in conversations with 2 investors who are looking at Maine as an area they are considering building rental housing. Since we have a significant housing shortage, I believe I am the most suitable Senate Candidate who can address this issue in the shortest amount of time. Additionally, I believe we can develop a strategy to help transition rental housing to home ownership, using a similar platform like the 529 educational plan, providing tax incentives for residents and landlords to contribute to a tax saving account to be used towards the purchase of a home.