PLACE OF RESIDENCY: Durham

PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat

PREVIOUS ELECTED EXPERIENCE: Two terms as Durham Selectperson,

What, if any, challenges do you see representing the small communities of District 46?

The single largest issue that comes up time after time when speaking with voters is the rising cost of property taxes. For most people increases in property taxes have far outpaced increases in their paychecks, making it harder to make ends meet. We need to make sure that the State holds up its end of the bargain by restoring revenue sharing and fully funding education, so that the burden doesn’t fall exclusively on families and seniors.

What is it that drives you toward public service?

I initially ran for Selectman because I wanted to learn how my tax dollars were spent and serve my community. My decision to run for the House has grown out of a similar desire to serve and a frustration with the partisan gridlock that is stifling progress. I want to build a stronger Maine for our children.

How do you see your approach as different from your opponent?

I believe I bring a different perspective to the position than my opponent. My experiences as a Selectman have given me a first hand understanding of the issues that the small communities of this district contend with and my goal in running is to try to represent those interests, rather than to advance a particular partisan agenda. In my job I see struggling families working to keep their lives together, and hear day in and day out what they need. Those families are who needs representation in Augusta. My campaign is about place and people rather than party.