Maine House 117

Social media accounts
https://www.facebook.com/Fran4Rep/

Occupation:
Realtor

Education:
Real estate courses

Community organizations:
Member, Bethel Town Budget Committee; director, Oxford County Soil and Water District; president, Bethel Seniors Group; founder, Crescent Park Reading Program; former member, Bethel Comprehensive Planning Committee; Seniors Plus Advisory Board

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Reading, cooking, spending time with family.

Family status:
Married

Years in the Legislature:

Four

Committee assignments (if elected):
Health and Human Services

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
I was glad to see LD 1537 pass, “An Act to Combat Drug Addiction through Enforcement, Prevention, Treatment and Recovery.” This funded 10 new positions for drug investigators in the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
We have already taken steps to address the inability to attract and retain caseworkers. We need to keep talking about the pros and cons of family reunification being the top priority.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
The statewide mandate for these diplomas has been repealed, but districts have the option to keep it if they decide to. As a former school board member, I tend to think we need less mandates, not more.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
Like all ideas that come to the Legislature, you wonder if the plan is a responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and whether or not it is sustainable. Right now, these two questions are still unanswered.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8 percent tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
I agree with all four candidates running for governor that Question 1 is not in the best interest of all Maine taxpayers, not just top earners. There are better ways to improve home care programs.

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?

Serving in the Legislature has given me a feeling of accomplishment knowing that I am leaving a mark and making a difference for my constituents… many of us work together very well.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
Now is the time to stay the course on issues such as welfare reform, lowering the income tax, improving veterans benefits and securing funds for K-12 education and to prevent domestic violence.

Speed Round

Should voters be required to show ID at the polls?

Yes