Maine House 65

Social media accounts
https://www.facebook.com/AmyArataMaine

Occupation:
Small business owner

Education:
Bachelor of Science, biology, Gordon College; master of science, genetics, University of California, Davis

Community Organizations:
SAD 15 board of directors; Maine State Board of Education; East Auburn Baptist Church deaconess; past Planning Board vice chairman; past New Gloucester Budget Committee chairman; past New Gloucester Capital Improvement Committee vice chairman; past Auburn Recreation youth basketball coach.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
I enjoy running, hiking, helping out with community events, and spending time with my family.

Family status:
Married with three teenage sons

Years in the Legislature: None

Committee assignments (if elected):
Education and Cultural Affairs

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
In addition to supporting treatment, prevention and law enforcement, I will submit a bill to require drug therapy and testing as part of the re-entry plan for drug-related school expulsions.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
As I knock on doors and meet voters, I have talked to many who work for DHHS. Based on these conversations and past tragedies, I believe we need to better support our social workers in the community.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
No. As a parent, school board member and Maine Board of Education member, I have seen no proof that it prepares our kids for the real world. It lacks rewards for good work or consequences for bad.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
The reality is that a civilized society won’t let people die because they can’t afford care. We need a system that blends the innovation and efficiency of the free market with compassion.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
No. It would drive out high-income people, thereby reducing overall tax revenue. The fund would be controlled by an unelected board and people would move to Maine just to get “free” care.

6) Are you frustrated by the political sniping, exaggeration and even lies between the parties and their supporters that have threatened progress usually reached through respect and reasoned compromise? If so, what will you personally do to make the situation better?

Yes. Over my many years of public service I have earned a reputation of treating everybody with respect. I was confirmed for the Maine Board of Education by 100 percent of Senate Democrats and Republicans.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
I spent college spring break volunteering for Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization, which reduces hunger and poverty by providing seeds and education for small-scale farmers around the world.

Speed Round

Should voters be required to show ID at the polls? Yes