Party affiliation: Democrat

Date of birth: October 27, 1950

Hometown: Freeport

Occupation: Director, Freeport Community Library

Education: Bachelor’s, Clark University; master’s, Goddard College

Community organizations: Board member, People Plus in Brunswick

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):

Family status: Married

Years in the Legislature: Six

Clean Election candidate?: Yes

Committee assignments: Maine State Senate president; previous chairman, Labor; previous member, Marine Resources

1. This is my fourth term and I want to continue working on issues around improving Maine’s economy, raising the standard of living and protecting women’s reproductive rights. To continue as a leader who will create consensus around these issues.

2. Our higher education system needs to be bolstered to provide the skilled workers and the research and development opportunities that will create new jobs. We also must work to improve the efficiencies of state government, while providing the services Maine families and businesses have come to expect from government.

3. I am opposed. TABOR will set the existing tax system in stone. Essentially, a minority of Mainers would control government finances. It is the wrong solution for a real problem of tax burden that will require partisanship to be put aside and all members to work together for Maine.

4. I believe all Mainers have the right to their home and job equally – regardless of race, sexual orientation, or gender. I have and will support all anti-discrimination legislation. A woman’s right to choose is a private matter, and the law must allow for all women to make their choice for an abortion.

5. I support Dirigo Health. DirigoChoice now has over 15,000 insureds. The Maine quality forum has introduced efficiencies in health care, which is lowering its cost in Maine. I am eagerly awaiting the work of the Dirigo Advisory commission so that we can improve the existing structure and go on to provide health coverage for more Mainers.