Maine Senate 9

Social media accounts

Occupation:
Integrated Systems Technology Designer Engineer, Owner: Flexware Control Technologies, Flexware produces process control technology that “simplifies the complex”. I hold patents in thermodynamic process that reduces ozone destruction, electric and oil energy use, all resulting in a substantial decrease in CO2.

Education:
Self-taught mechanical and electrical system designer.

Community Organizations:
Former president of New England Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), member of Knights of Columbus, former member the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Enjoy motorcycling and swimming with my son who is special needs. Frequent guest appearances on Maine talk radio stations on energy and DHHS issues. Longtime interest in advocating for children and families wronged by state officials.

Family status:
Single dad living with adult son with severe developmental disabilities who requires full-time care.

Years in the Legislature: None.

Committee assignments (if elected):
Energy, Utilities & Technology.

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
My opponent voted against making dealers liable for the deaths of addicts they sell to. Going easy on crime is never effective. I support tougher laws to make criminals accountable for their actions.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
With 25 years as a child protection advocate, I know state officials continuously violate the law. Children are harmed when laws are broken. Amend Maine Tort Laws to make state officials accountable.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
I advocate for local control and defer to local school boards to decide what’s best for their community. Educators can learn a lot from diverse ideas and experiments taking place throughout the state.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
Yes, to improve efficiency and reduce costs. We must shift our attention from who pays to improving efficiencies that lower costs. Spending billions on elegant hospitals does not reduce medical cost.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
No. It’s another liberal attempt at social engineering. This one has a bizarre twist: millionaires moving into Maine would get free home health care, paid for by Maine taxpayers. That’s crazy.

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?My role in making things better will be the same as it has been for most of my life: dig deep to get the facts, do the math, and tell it like it is. I’ve never been one to sugarcoat things.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
While a golden gloves fighter, I was elected as friendliest in my senior yearbook. In my 25 years as an unpaid advocate defending Maine people, all funding came totally out of my own pocket.

Speed Round

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