Party affiliation: Democrat

Date of birth: April 14, 1947

Hometown: Turner

Occupation: Retired teacher

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Maine at Orono; master’s of education, USM

Community organizations: Deacon and trustee, Turner Village Church; basketball official; Angel Tree coordinator for TVC; St. Judes Children’s Hospital fundraiser; American Cancer Association fundraiser; Maine Educational Association; National Education Association

Personal information (hobbies, etc.): Reading, refereeing basketball, working with Arabian Horses, owner of two Springer Spaniels, teaching summer school and adult education, carpentry

Family status: Married; three sons; three grandsons

Years in the Legislature: None

Clean Election candidate?: Yes

1. I am seeking a legislative seat after being a math teacher for 30-plus years. I believe I can help the state work more efficiently with much less waste in our state agencies, education, welfare and health care, thus lowering our tax burden. I am very frugal and can stretch a buck with the best.

2. My top priority would be to lower our tax burden by running schools and state agencies, especially DHHS more efficiently; exporting more taxes to out-of-state property owners and tourists; and funding education much at the state level, thus lowering property tax – the unfairest tax of all – especially for seniors.

3. I do not support TABOR because it would reduce many needed services in education, safety, roads and infra-structure, and health, etc. Maine would go from a majority rule to a minority rule. Twelve out of 35 state senators could control money or tax issues.

4. After thousands of contacts with district voters, I believe pocketbook issues are much more important than the social issues. I strongly oppose abortion for our family, but I have no right to make that decision for other people. I do not believe that anyone should be discriminated against nor do I believe that they should have special rights.

5. I give Maine credit for trying to provide health care for more Mainers and it is helping some people I’ve spoken with. A Blue Ribbon Commission is working to improve funding, coverage, and to make it cost efficient. I personally believe that we should have universal coverage in this country.

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