Maine House 69

Social media accounts
Facebook, Twitter, website

Occupation:
Retired

Education:
BBA, Babson College

Community Organizations:
Tri County Mental Health; Harrison Food Pantry; SCORE; Oxford Hills Growth Council

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):

Volunteer board member, Oxford Hills Growth Council; Fare Share Food Cooperative; Deertrees Theater; Tri-County Mental Health; business counselor, Oxford Hills SCORE; volunteer and substitute teacher in the Oxford Hills School District, specializing in the special education component.

Family status:
Married

Years in the Legislature: None

Committee assignments (if elected):
Appropriations and Financial Affairs; Health and Human Services; Legislative Budget Subcommittee

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
I support legislation that addresses the opiate crisis by providing a balanced mix of treatment, peer support and law enforcement strategies. Action sooner than later is required.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
We need to have a increased presence in our schools of experienced child abuse professionals who have a level of authority to identify and address issues with students and families.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
More effort needs to be to provide an education that meets each student’s capabilities. Proficiency-based should mean a student is able to enter the adult world with optimal life skills to succeed.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
Basic health care coverage for all Mainers should be available at an affordable cost. Limited coverage leads to higher health care costs and puts a financial strain on the ability to improve services.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
I support the concept of providing the home care program. I have difficulty in funding services with a dedicated tax as there are many services which could benefit with this type of funding mechanism.

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?

This is exactly why I am running as an independent. I don’t want to be beholden to the party power structures. I will seek out other independents to find reasonable compromise.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
I am a clean election candidate. It keeps big money out of politics. As a clean election candidate I have not accepted any campaign contributions from PACs or corporations.

Speed Round

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