Maine House 118

Social media accounts
Facebook: John Thiele HD#118 for 2018 Campaign

Occupation:
Social worker and administrator

Education:
Masters in public administration

Community Organizations:
Bingham Area Health Center, board of directors; Healthreach Community Health Centers,
board of directors

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Flyfishing, hiking, gardening

Family status:
3 adult children

Years in the Legislature: None

Committee assignments (if elected):
Health and Human Services, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
More legislation is unnecessary. Maine should continue at the forefront of litigation against pharmaceutical manufacturers. In this manner we can raise money to support drug treatment programs.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
There is no need to pass more legislation. The system has not been adequately funded for decades. The Legislature needs to be part of the process to determine adequate funding and staffing.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
Traditional course credits are still being used by most American high schools and colleges. Because of this I will not use my position as a legislator to champion proficiency-based schools.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
Yes, I support a universal one-payor health system as a way to implement cost containment and proper medical treatment for all.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
Yes. Currently home care programs in rural Maine are inadequate to meet the needs of our aging population. Let’s use a progressive means of taxation to do something about that.

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?

The spirit of cooperation will improve once LePage takes his leave. As the Democratic nominee in a Republican district I expect to be elected because we all want what is best for our families.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
Weighing all factors, the best job I ever had was working on a potato farm in Houlton, Maine.

Speed Round

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