What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
Re-establish the Mane State Planning Office to assist and support municipalities in amending their comprehensive plans and land use ordinances to ensure higher density development is properly placed. Develop standards that minimize the impact of affordable housing upon existing infrastructure and neighborhoods. Provide training and guidance to developers and communities establishing adequate building and site standards ensuring natural and technological hazards are addressed such as fire and flooding.
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?
Explore options, such as small-scale roof top solar panels with sufficient battery back-up in the event of power failure to bring the generation of electricity closer to the consumer. Understandably not everyone can afford the retrofit of their home but subsidies that are going into huge field arrays could be used to subsidize smaller home units. Consider requiring all new dwelling structures be built with solar roofs as roofing material technology is improving to also serve as power generation source.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
All individuals and businesses should pay their fair share. I hear stories of high-income people not paying their fair share because they find tax loopholes. I would work with all legislators to find the tax loopholes and restructure the tax laws to ensure that we all pay our fair share.
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?
I own guns and I hunt with them. We can all do a better job of screening before gun purchases. Turning down our rhetoric could lessen the rage that is more frequently acted out by individuals with PTSD or other mental challenges. Maine’s rural areas often lack adequate access to mental health services to help individuals, families, and communities coping with mental health challenges before situations escalate to violence, and as well as after a tragedy strikes.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
I have worked in every level of government, and most of my career has been in flood mitigation. I enjoy working with people to try to solve problems and have had significant success in doing so. I worked for the Maine State {Planning office for approximately 18 years and as a Disaster Reservist with FEMA after retiring. I was a Certified Floodplain Manager during my extended career.
