Residence: Belfast
Party: Democrat
Present employment: Retired teacher
Highest level of education completed: College graduate, University of Michigan Schools of Music & Education, bachelor’s degree in music, followed by some graduate work.
Previous elected public office(s) held: Maine State Legislature, 129th and 130th sessions – two terms.
Statement: The people who live in House District 39 deserve a representative with legislative experience and knowledge who responds to constituents’ needs, listens to local concerns, is accessible and connects with community members and local organizations in multiple ways.
The legislation I have sponsored and cosponsored reflects issues that matter to people in Belfast, Northport and Belmont, as well as the entire state. I am especially proud that my work has resulted in my testifying before almost every legislative committee over my past two terms.
I have proven that I am energized and passionate about my legislative responsibilities through my membership in multiple caucuses — Broadband, Climate/Coastal, Gun Safety, Rural Health and Aging — shepherding eight bills to successful passage and supporting a bipartisan budget amendment that passed and increased retired teacher health insurance coverage.
I am pleased to be a Maine Clean Elections candidate and would be honored to be reelected to continue my service!
Your opponent, in his statement criticizes two bills you were involved in. How would you respond?
The carbon tax bill was to incentivize the reduction of fossil fuel consumption to slow climate change, sea level rise and protect our planet.
The remote lesson bill absolutely allows parents/grandparents access to the lessons being taught online. The statute prohibits the rebroadcasting of any portion of a lesson. This protection removes the possibility of taking a statement or portion of a lesson out of context. Teachers must be able to present ideas and answer student questions without fear that a word or phrase will be separated from the broader framework of a lesson or activity.
The same applies to parental visits in a classroom. A parent is encouraged to visit their student’s classes, but would not be allowed to record a lesson or classroom visit without the consent of the teacher and school administrator.
What are your thoughts on doing away with Maine’s Income Taxes?
I do not believe Maine could sustain adequate revenue generation without increasing other taxes if the income tax were eliminated.
What do you see as top state budget priorities?
Top state budget priorities should include PFAS remediation and farmer support, roads, bridges and K-16 infrastructure, climate change/sea level rise planning and response and increased regional mental health and substance use patient crisis facilities (Yes. That is plural) to ease the burdens and provide safer work environments for emergency department, EMS and hospital staff, law enforcement and citizens. Continuing attention should be given to workforce shortages and workforce training.
State Budget cuts? I have not identified budget categories that could be significantly reduced without negatively affecting current services and programming levels.
How can Maine best make health care affordable for its citizens?
By developing a plan for a regional phase-in of northern New England universal health care.
What policy changes would you support to protect the environment and respond to climate change?
Maine should continue to reduce greenhouse gases, increase carbon sequestration and increase incentives to “Go Green” in all sectors. We should work to improve and create public transportation in and between small and mid-sized cities, restrict new construction in the flood plain and review and revise the policies and procedures of the Department of Environmental Protection.
Would you support a woman’s right to obtain and abortion?
Yes. Always.
What changes would you like to see in how police do their jobs?
Increase the inclusion of mental health professionals and crisis counselors in local law enforcement to provide training and access to de-escalation for appropriate situations.
