Maine House 63

Social media accounts:
Facebook

Occupation:
Retired, manager postal operations.

Education:
Three years college.

Community Organizations:
Tyrian Masonic Lodge; Kora Shrine; Androscoggin Valley Scottish Rite Masonic; American Legion Post 31; Disabled American Veteran Post 11; Auburn Planning Board.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Hiking, swimming, traveling.

Family status:
Married 35 years, two children, two grandchildren.

Years in the Legislature:                                                                                      None.

Committee assignments (if elected):
Appropriations and Financial Affairs, Environment and Natural Resources, Veterans and Legal Affairs.

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
Required education in schools about opiate addiction; training for medical personnel in medical assist treatments; state-monitored prescription drug monitoring programs and better access to health care.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
Better reporting and follow-up; increase personnel monitoring; better counseling and education; review of rules and laws governing placement of children after reporting.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
No, because the state has not provided uniform standards for all education boards to adhere to and given proper guidance in the execution of those standards. All education should be proficiency-based.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
I’m in favor of the expansion of Medicaid and the reinstatement of the ACA with repair and replacement of the portions that failed in their initial cost savings for both employers and customers.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
I support Question 1 overall, but it needs to be fine-tuned to address income levels and personnel requirements.

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?                                                                                           I would listen to the arguments for and against, and compromise when necessary to achieve the work that we are sent to do. Tell the truth, good or bad, without trying to spin it or omit from it.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
I love to sing and whistle even though I do them badly. We don’t have pets unless they’re rescue animals.

Speed Round

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