Maine House 61

Social media accounts
Facebook.com/lukeforlewiston

Occupation:
Substitute teacher/behavioral health professional

Education:
B.A., Lynchburg College

Community Organizations:
Lewiston School Committee member; previous  member, Lewiston Historic Preservation Review Board Associate

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
I enjoy watching football, getting out in nature, and making time to visit with friends. Lewiston has a lot to offer for those of us who call it home.

Family status:
Single

Years in the Legislature: None

Committee assignments (if elected):
Education and Cultural Affairs, State and Local Government

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
I support legislation that attacks root causes of addiction. I’d like our state to encourage use of other pain relief alternatives in cases that don’t necessitate opiate use.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
I would like to see social service worker caseloads reduced. I’m happy the state is de-emphasizing family reunification, as heartbreaking as those situations can be.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
Until the state clarifies what proficient actually means, it is next to impossible for a district to develop a successful PBL model.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
Given the many federal restrictions around healthcare, it makes more sense for a universal system to be set up at the federal level. Maine is not in a financial position to establish such a program.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
Question 1 is not something the state can afford. We need to do more for our needy seniors with our existing budget; establishing a new tax to fund the program is not sound policy.

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 idea that Democrats and Republicans can reach compromise is no longer reality. Until more independents are elected, we’ll continue to deal with political games and sharp divisions.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
My first job was at McDonald’s, my oddest job was as a cable repair technician, and my favorite job has been substitute teaching.

Speed Round

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