Party affiliation: Democrat

Date of birth: February 20, 1953

Hometown: Dixfield

Occupation: Technical field service representative, NewPage Corp.

Education: Graduated Rumford High School, 1971; studied business administration at University of Southern Maine

Community organizations: Member Rumford-Mexico Lions Club; Blazing Star Lodge, A.F.& A.M., past master; past president of Rumford Merchants Association; Kora Temple Shrine; Oxford Federal Credit Union Board of Directors; River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition and the River Valley Technology Center.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.): Enjoys spending time with family, making minor home repairs, playing golf and doing yard work.

Family status: Married; two children

Years in the Legislature: Four

Clean Election candidate?: Yes

Committee assignments: Legal and Veterans Affairs

1. Four years ago I put forward a vision for Maine’s future, and I work hard every day toward accomplishing the principles espoused in that vision. I have worked to prioritize spending, to lower taxes, and to serve the everyday needs of all the hard-working folks in my district.

2. I will continue to work to lower taxes and to identify, prioritize and cut wasteful spending. As an example, I have introduced a bill to study whether Maine should make all teachers state employees. For now, this is only a study, but we must be willing to think creatively if we are going to build prosperity.

3. I support TABOR. We must start somewhere. Spending is out of control and government is not willing to do what it must to lower taxes and prioritize spending. Families in my district can only spend what they can afford. The same should apply to politicians.

4. Our state has enacted laws that are designed to protect us all from discrimination. Abortion is for now a federal issue. I think most of these social issues have been addressed by Maine voters, and I respect and honor the results of their votes.

5. Dirigo Health is a work in progress. Allowing high risk pools and eliminating community rating could be a beneficial step in lowering costs for Maine people. Elimination of some mandates could also help. I look forward to the report of the Dirigo study task force due before the next legislative session.

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