Maine Senate 22

Social media accounts:
Website: lois4me.com; Facebook: Lois Kilby-Chesley for Maine Senate 22

Occupation:
Teacher, retired.

Education:
BS, University of Maine; graduate school, New Mexico State University; MS, University of Southern Maine.

Community Organizations:
Maine Education Association; Androscoggin River Alliance.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Travel, dog rescue, history and geneaological research.

Family status:
Single.

Years in the Legislature:                                                                                      None.

Committee assignments (if elected):
Education and Cultural Affairs, Labor and Commerce, Research and Economic Development.

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
There are many benefits of medication-assisted treatment in criminal justice programs so we can have successful people re-entering our communities. Narcan must be available to families and communities.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
Adding DHHS field positions and raising workers’ pay. Any legislation focusing on reducing the emphasis on reunification ignores research that says most children are better served in their families.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
No statewide mandatory implementation of proficiency-based diplomas anymore. If the practitioners in a district are able to develop a proficiency-based diploma, that decision will be made locally.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
Yes, I support universal health care. It will restructure and simplify health care, be more cost efficient and eliminate major health care bills. Right now the gap in health coverage is unfair.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
I support Question 1 because it would make it possible for elders to receive the home health care all Mainers deserve. We need to respect their contributions and their wish to age in place.

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 am tired of the behavior we see daily from “leadership.” One of my concerns is the message that is sent to our children. Missing right now are honesty, compassion, empathy, dignity and respect.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
My ancestor, George Soule, was an indentured servant on the Mayflower (1620). The Carvers came to Vinalhaven in 1752. My great-great-great-grandmother was born in Durham in 1805. My family has a long history in Maine!

Speed Round

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

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