Party affiliation: Republican

Date of birth: March 29, 1971

Hometown: Lewiston

Occupation: Stay-at-home dad

Education: Attended University Southern Maine

Community organizations: None.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.): Besides raising my kids? Contract bridge, politics, writing

Family status: Married; three children

Years in the Legislature: None

Clean Election candidate?: Yes

1. I want to be part of the change that I believe Maine needs. We need comprehensive tax reform, especially property tax relief. We need a better business environment while maintaining our good natural environment. We need to reform social services to be more efficient, while ensuring protections for Maine people.

2. My top priority will be real property tax relief. The last Legislature missed a real opportunity to provide substantive property tax relief. Unfortunately, all efforts to make sure increased state aid made it into the pockets of the people were removed from the legislation. Relief means money in your pocket.

3. I believe the Taxpayer Bill of Rights will have an overall positive effect on Maine. It will force politicians to engage the voters on spending issues. Given the history of Maine voters on spending issues at the ballot box, I trust them to make the right decisions.

4. Social issues are a secondary concern. The people of Maine have asked that economic issues be addressed for years. I support Sen. Woodcock’s call to not overturn the will of the voters on social issues like gay rights. I also support efforts to address affordable housing and homelessness issues.

5. Dirigo is an expensive program that only drives up the cost of health insurance for everyone. We could have accomplished many of the same policy goals using rules already in place under Medicaid. Reforming our health insurance regulations will serve to help everyone, especially people who depend on Dirigo.

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