Office Sought: Representative – District 83
Age: 56
Occupation: Small business owner/writer
Education: Gardiner Area High School; BA History from USM
Family: Ron Grant, husband of 36 years, 2 grown children
Hometown: Gardiner
Political experience
Two terms in the House, (126th and 127th) Committees: Appropriations and Financial Affairs (127th) Environment and Natural Resources; and the Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Workforce and Economic Future (126th).
Six years on the MSAD 11 School Board.
I also have volunteered extensively through school, community and church organizations over the past 35 years.
Why are you running for office?
Growing up I learned that when you’ve had a hand up, you give your hand back to help others. I see my legislative work as the continuation of a life of community service, a way of giving back to ensure opportunities for others who want to better their lives. My work strong ethic, my background in small business, and my experience raising a family here have all allowed me to contribute real leadership and creative, bi-partisan problem solving to Maine’s citizen legislature for four years.
I believe we need to grow Maine’s economy by focusing on our small businesses and expanding opportunities for jobs that pay a livable wage. Maine people need education and job training to gain the skills they need to be part of a growing economy. People cannot work when they are sick, so we must expand access to affordable healthcare so all Maine citizens can see a doctor when they need to.
Over my four years of legislative service I have worked to develop fair and balanced state budgets. I have worked to address the public health crisis of opioid addiction by pushing for increased treatment, prevention and enforcement and believe we must continue to expand access to medically effective treatment. I worked hard for increased services to our veterans, and was a staunch supporter of our state’s employees and retirees. I will continue to be a strong voice for the people of my district in Augusta.
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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?
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Background Checks: Do you support background checks for privately sold firearms in Maine?
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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?
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Marijuana: Do you support legalization of marijuana for recreational use?
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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?
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