Maine Senate 23

Social media accounts
www.facebook.com/DonaldsonForMaine

Occupation:
Retired Navy, selectman and volunteer firefighter

Education:
Some post secondary work at SNHU

Community Organizations:
Patten Free Library, trustee; Georgetown Community Center, board member; Georgetown Fire Department, lieutenant; Habitat for Humanity, volunteer

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Playing golf, raising chickens, vegetable gardening, hunting, and hiking with my beautiful wife.

Family status:
Married to Lisa and have two adult sons.

Years in the Legislature: None

Committee assignments (if elected):
Marine Resources Committee, Taxation Committee, Education and Cultural Affairs Committee

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
Prevention, rehabilitation, training and equipping first responders. Like any disease, best action is to prevent new users through education and provide adequate treatment for those seeking help.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
Increase DHHS staffing and resources to prevent abuse from occurring, and investigate all allegations to protect Maine’s kids.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
No. PBL is fraught with serious issues which do not adequately evaluate student performance. Local school boards should be in control of these decisions, not state mandates.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
All Mainers deserve access to healthcare. I support legislation that lowers rates, increases access, and reins in exorbitant healthcare costs. I support protecting people with preexisting conditions.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
No. Maine doesn’t need any additional taxes leading us to become the highest taxed state in the nation. I believe that we need to make home healthcare affordable for those who need it.

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?Having been the target of a smear campaign, I know what it’s like to the subject of politically-motivated accusations. We need to be civil to each other and I will support good ideas over party.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
I’ve traveled to over 50 countries and enjoy immersing myself in foreign cultures when I am traveling with my beautiful bride.

Speed Round

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

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