Dana Dow

Maine Senate 13

Social media accounts
Facebook: SenatorDanaDow

Occupation:
Owner and president of Dow Furniture

Education:
BS in Education from USM

Community Organizations:
Waldoboro United Methodist Church

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Hiking, hunting, fishing, Biblical studies, spending time with family

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Family status:
Wife: Lisa; children: Lindsey, Zachary, Wilmot, and Whitney

Years in the Legislature: 8

Committee assignments (if elected):
Taxation, Education

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
This crisis needs a rapid infusion of money. Medical professionals have developed and continue to develop successful programs to deal with this crisis but need additional financial help.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
We passed four bills last month to address this, including one to streamline custody proceedings in order to to get children into safe homes. However, more needs to be done to prevent abuse.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
Yes. We need to increase educational standards to an acceptable level. As a former teacher, I agree with this. In the past, we’ve shifted from program to program instead of focusing on what works.

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4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
I favor health care that is affordable for all. This would require health insurance that includes a high-risk pool covered by the entire system. Everybody should be covered.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
NO. Parts of this question are illegal. Higher taxes will mean more businesses and families leaving. We have stagnant population growth and an aging population. These trends can’t continue.

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?Last year, I challenged my fellow senators to have meals with members of the other party. It paid off in developing respect and making us more amiable. The Senate worked well together this year.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
Tax Conformity was the biggest issue this year. I chair the Tax Committee, and we reached an agreement that led to unanimous votes in the Senate and House on this issue. Democracy requires compromise.

Speed Round

Should voters be required to show ID at the polls? No


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