Maine Senate 11

Social media accounts
https://www.jayneformaine.com/, https://www.facebook.com/JayneGilesforSenate/

Occupation:
Non-profit Financial and Community Development

Education:
Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, BA Economics; Stonier Graduate School of Banking/University of Delaware, graduated with honors.

Community Organizations:
Waldo County YMCA Board, Coastal Healthcare Alliance Advisory Council and Belfast Rotary Club. Northeast Delta Dental of Maine and Maine Association of Non-Profits. Past member of Waldo County General Hospital Board and the Abnaki Girl Scout Council. Past Chair Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) Board and Past President Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Reading, skiing, sailing, and gardening.

Family status:
Married

Years in the Legislature: 4

Committee assignments (if elected):
Appropriations & Financial Affairs

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
I support additional resources for medical treatment to treat addiction, plus, more drug enforcement. I support more education & prevention, particularly, to keep young people away from opioids.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
I support legislation to allow schools to share information with appropriate sources when a student moves, if domestic issues are involved. Plus, more resources are needed to reduce DHHS caseloads.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
Students need to be prepared for future work, trade school or college after high school. Schools need to have graduation requirements that ensure students are ready for next steps.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
I support a blend of private & government paid health care insurance that provides affordable access. Medicaid & Medicare need to be adequately funded. Private insurance needs to be affordable.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
No. Revenue raised by the tax increase does not have adequate legislative oversight. Plus, the 3.8% tax hits many Mainers, including, doctors, dentists and nurses who may decide not to live here.

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 served in the House from 2006-10 & helped organize a Moderate Caucus, including all parties. We had 40+ legislators. Our meetings focused on policy, not politics. I would form this group again.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
The first time I ran for the legislature was in 2004. The Red Sox broke the “curse” and won the World Series. I hope 2018 repeats with another World Series win!

Speed Round

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