Gina Melaragno

Maine House 62

Social media accounts

Occupation:
Customer service

Education:
Associate degree, liberal arts

Community Organizations:
Auburn Democratic City Committee

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
I enjoy trail hiking with my dog, reading, visiting new places, and I love my jobs.

Advertisement

Family status:
Single

Years in the Legislature: 4

Committee assignments (if elected):
Insurance and Financial Services Committee

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
I support legislation that emphasizes prevention, intervention, and treatment rather than criminalization.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
I supported the legislation that will add much needed case workers, and will update the antiquated computer systems they rely on. Child welfare experts should be directly involved in new legislation.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
I am concerned that the child with a different learning style and skills will get left behind in a system that exclusively requires a student to earn a proficiency-based diploma.

Advertisement

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
Yes. Everyone should have access to quality, affordable health care. It is a necessity. Our current system is cruel.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
I support the wealthy paying their fair share, and getting home care to those who need it, but I am still deciding whether this is the right way to do it.

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?

Name calling and character assassination is not helpful. We do a lot of civil, bipartisan, collaborative work in Augusta that does not always gain as much attention as the contentious issues.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
I speak Spanish and it is a goal of mine to become truly fluent.

Speed Round

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

Comments are no longer available on this story