Political experience

I am completing my fourth year serving on the RSU#13 school board.

Why are you running for office?

I have spent my entire adult life serving the public in this community. I believe it is time to take the next step. I want to go to Augusta to serve, not only Rockland and Owls Head, but to serve all of the citizens through out the State of Maine.

I believe it is time for elected officials to serve all citizens.

To show the commitment I will have in Augusta, I have been knocking on doors throughout District 93. I am not using a voter list, but knocking on all doors. Citizens have been telling me some of their concerns and suggestions on how to improve their living conditions.

• Income Tax: Gov. LePage would like to lower Maine’s income tax rate and eventually eliminate it, by increasing the state’s sales tax and expanding it across a broader range of goods and services. Do you support this proposal?
  • Other

    I need to see all of the pro’s and con’s on both sides. What will the net effect be? Who and how much will it effect all demographics.

• Background Checks: Do you support background checks for privately sold firearms in Maine?
  • No

    There are laws between State and Federal governments that are not being enforced now.

    I don’t believe these type of laws, that other states have in place, have prevented criminals from acquiring guns and committing crimes. Criminals will continue to get guns and this will not prevent it.

• Minimum Wage: In light of the ballot question facing voters this fall, do you support raising the state’s minimum wage from $7.50 to $12 an hour by 2020?
  • No

    How much will it effect those on fixed incomes?

    Those on fixed incomes already have very stressful decisions to make. Food, medications, and everyday product needs; “what will I do without,” when prices increase?

    Dedicated employees who are making more than minimum wage now, won’t they want an increase in income also?

    I feel it is bigger than just an increase in minimum wage.

    By saying that, I do understand it is very difficult to make it on the current wage.

• Marijuana: Do you support legalization of marijuana for recreational use?
  • Other

    Not at this time. I have concerns. In Colorado there has been an increase in serious accidents.

    Is there an approved test that Police can administer on scene that would hold up in court, like there is for DWI? Have all of the Officers received that training? When I have talked with supporters of this bill, they have said it is no different than having a drink with friends after work.

    I also have concerns about enough current personnel to oversee the regulations of the program.

• Addiction/Overdoses: Do you believe the state is doing enough in response to the rise in heroin/opiate addiction and overdoses? If not, what else should be done?
  • No. There needs to be a long term round table discussion with all vested parties. It needs to include, not only experts, but also opiate users who have stopped using and those who have relapsed. What has worked and what has not. There is no “one cure for everyone”, and there needs to be options.