Maine House 47
Social media accounts
www.facebook.com/welshforhouse
Occupation:
Commercial photographer/director
Education:
B.A. Economics, St. Lawrence University
Community Organizations:
Yarmouth Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee; youth leader, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church; Sunday School teacher, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church; board member, 317 Main Music School; Yarmouth Ski Club, treasurer; Former Yarmouth Little League Baseball coach
Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Woodworking, hiking, camping, guitar, canoeing, skiing
Family status:
Married with three children
Years in the Legislature: None
Committee assignments (if elected):
Appropriations, Environmental and Natural Resources, Marine Resources
Q&A
1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
Strengthen treatment — detoxification, medication and support — then task a group of providers, counselors, hospitals, police, CDC to create a plan with measurable benchmarks to reverse this trend.
2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
I support the recent bill to hire additional caseworkers to improve child safety. I also support programs that allow extended families and communities to assist in preventing all forms of child abuse.
3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
PBE is right for some school districts and is not a good fit for others. I believe this decision should remain at the local level with administrations, teachers and students.
4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
Mainers deserve healthcare that is accessible and affordable. Universal healthcare could potentially insure more people while lowering costs. If we could make that work then I would support it.
5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
No, not as it stands now. While well-intentioned, I’m concerned about the impact on our economy, the violation of patient privacy, the lack of a means test and the lack of oversight by the Legislature.
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?
Absolutely frustrated. I will bring my 30 years of private sector experience where it is mandatory to collaborate to succeed to Augusta to help change this toxic environment. It is time for a change.
7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
I’ve hiked Katahdin three years in a row with each of my three kids. Hiked Kilimanjaro the next year with my oldest. Katahdin is harder. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. But it’s so worth it!
Speed Round
Should voters be required to show ID at the polls? No
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.