Maine House 56

Social media accounts:
www.MarthaForLisbon.com; Facebook, Martha Poliquin for House District 56

Occupation:
School nutrition director for Falmouth Schools.

Education:
BS, in botany, UMaine; associate degree in Culinary Arts, SMCC.

Community Organizations:
Previous involvement with Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Parent Action Group, parent volunteer in Lisbon schools, Literacy Volunteers, Lisbon School Board 1995-2001.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
I enjoy flower gardening, cooking, listening to live music, sitting by a camp fire.

Family status:
Married.

Years in the Legislature:                                                                                      None.

Committee assignments (if elected):
Education; Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
I support legislation to provide more treatment and rehab facilities, with financial assistance to those who lack or have insufficient insurance, to eliminate barriers when one is ready for help.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
I don’t currently know enough to answer this. I am heartbroken by the recent deaths. We must listen to DHHS workers, staff and clients about their needs and look at best practices from other states.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
Yes. PB education allows for the most opportunities for students to learn and demonstrate that they have gained knowledge and skills in content areas. Let’s not discard the work done toward this goal.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
Yes. Medicare is a universal health care system that works for Americans over the age of 65. That model can be looked at to provide health care to all Mainers so no one is without.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
Undecided. I understand the need as my 96-year-old father needs and employs help. For seniors, I believe Medicare ought to cover home care. If voters approve this, I will support its implementation.

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 will work with all legislators in a collaborative and professional manner, as I do in my job and did on the Lisbon School Board.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
While earning my culinary arts degree at Southern Maine Voc-Tech Institute (now known as SMCC), I worked nights as a tire and battery installer for Sears in South Portland.

Speed Round

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