Age: 60
Residence: Winterport
Party: Democrat
Present employment: Town Councilor of Winterport (Second Term)
Highest level of education completed: Bachelor’s degree
Previous elected public office(s) held: Winterport Assessors Board
Statement: I want to keep Maine a state where workers can organize and use collective bargaining to gain pay equity, fair work rules and job security.
All people should have safe, affordable housing, as well as plentiful, healthy food. Too many families at present experience food and housing insecurity.
Reproductive freedom and access is not only a woman’s issue, but everyone’s issue. Removing personal autonomy from half of the population cannot help but affect the other half. Lack of choice will erode family stability on many levels, and that is bad for all of us.
Green energy sources are important to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but we also need to conserve our natural resources for ourselves and future generations. We need to maintain our clean water, air, flora, fauna and hiking trails. Clean energy and nature conservation are not mutually exclusive.
Finally, access to reliable broadband service. Too many areas in Maine have little or no service, and this leads to gaps in education and affects the economy adversely.
These are all things which are and will continue to be important to my community, and therefore important to me.
What are your thoughts on proposals to do away with Maine’s income taxes?
Doing away with income tax in Maine would significantly reduce much needed revenue in our state. We need the money to build infrastructure in the state and increase quality of life for us all. An example is the much-needed broadband expansion.
When it comes to the state budget, what do you see as top priorities for spending or cuts?
Protecting education spending at the state level is a top priority, as this reduces the amount owed by municipalities, and therefore the property taxes owed by individuals on their homes.
How can Maine best make health care affordable for its citizens?
By not cutting the state income tax, we can continue to afford Mainecare and possibly expand the program to include some uninsured citizens who are not presently covered.
What policy changes would you support to protect the environment and respond to climate change?
I am not an energy expert but would be happy to see policies which would ultimately reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Would you vote to support a woman’s right to obtain an abortion?
Always.
What changes would you like to see in the way police do their jobs in Maine?
We need to build relationships, partnerships and connections between community and law enforcement. Communication is vital between citizens, legislators, neighboring communities, faith communities, drug treatment programs and mental health providers. Everyone has a role.
