Maine House 115

Social media accounts:
www.facebook.com/Josanne4Rep

Occupation:
Accounting field.

Education:
Rumford High School, business courses.

Community organizations:
School Administrative District 43 board of directors; Rumford Finance Committee; American Legion Auxiliary member.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Gardening, basket-weaving, quilting, cross-stitching, reading, spending time with grandchildren.

Family status:
Married.

Years in the Legislature:                                                                                      None.

Committee assignments (if elected):
Education Committee, or the Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee.

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
All of the voters I speak with seem to agree that one of the biggest priorities has to include teaching children to avoid drugs in the first place. We also should focus on treatment and enforcement.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
I visited the Legislature on the day they passed the child protective bills, and would like to see DHHS continue to improve training, communication and coordination in the future.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
As a former school board member, I think we have too many mandates. These diplomas can stay in place for districts that find them to have been successful. This should be a local decision.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
The supporters have not distributed very much information about how to raise the funds to pay for this level of health coverage for so many people. We should know the full plan before saying yes.

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 for governor and will be voting “no” on Question 1. There are much better ways to expand home care programs in Maine that will not burden the Maine taxpayer.

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?                                                                                      I ran for state representative because I’m a believer in working together to solve problems. That means listening, learning and focusing on a common goal. We need more of that these days.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
I’m running on a platform of protecting and growing services for senior citizens, improving veterans’ benefits and prioritizing vocational training and career readiness for students.

Speed Round

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