What is one new policy that the state should embrace to make housing easier to build and afford?
I believe that the state should embrace the sale of “Expandable Capes”. (Homes that are finished on the first floor with a kitchen, full bathroom, living room and a bedroom. With the upstairs unfinished but has room for two more bedrooms and a bath.) Allow Maine Housing and other lenders to give loans on these types of properties. Give incentives both public and private to make this happen to allow first time buyers and even seniors to get into affordable homes.
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?
I believe solar incentives should be continued but should be in conjunction with promoting solar panels that have little to no contamination to the environment upon disposal. A push for cleaner energy to get our reliance on fossil fuels lessened. There should be more research into forms of hydro power using our vast river and tidal resources.
Should the state make changes to its tax laws? If so, outline your priorities.
We should look at tax structures that are best for all Mainers. One thing that should be looked at is sales taxes. Let’s look at the possibility of dropping the 5.5% sales tax back to the 5% that it was in year’s past. We should look into lowering the income tax rates for the lowest incomes. Keeping more money in the pockets of the working poor. Should keep or increase tax incentives and/or deferrals for Mainers 65 or older.
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 definitely should enforce our gun laws. We definitely need to continue investing in mental health services and enforce laws that prohibit gun ownership using our yellow flag law. Make sure background checks and waiting periods are being used statewide.
Describe a unique attribute or area of focus that you will bring to the Legislature.
I am a trade school graduate, a four-time small business owner, and a long-time real estate professional. I believe that these attributes will help in promoting education issues, small businesses and housing issues.
