Social media accounts
www.facebook.com/welshforhouse

Occupation:
Commercial Photographer/Director

Education:
B.A. Economics – St. Lawrence University

Community Organizations:
Yarmouth Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee
Youth Leader, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church
Sunday School Teacher, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church
Board Member, 317 Main Music School
Yarmouth Ski Club, Treasurer
Former Yarmouth Little League Baseball Coach

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Woodworking, Hiking, Camping, Guitar, Canoeing, Skiing

Family status:
Married with three children

Years in the Legislature: none

Committee assignments (if elected):
Appropriations
Environmental and Natural Resources
Marine Resources

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
Strengthen treatment – detoxification, medication and support – then task a group of providers, counselors, hospitals, police, CDC to create a plan with measurable benchmarks to reverse this trend.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
I support the recent bill to hire additional caseworkers to improve child safety I also support programs that allow extended families and communities to assist in preventing all forms of child abuse

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
PBE is right for some school districts and is not a good fit for others. I believe this decision should remain at the local level with administrations, teachers and students.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
Mainers deserve healthcare that is accessible and affordable. Universal healthcare could potentially insure more people while lowering costs. If we could make that work then I would support it.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
No, not as it stands now. While well-intentioned, I’m concerned about the impact on our economy, the violation of patient privacy, the lack of a means test and the lack of oversight by the Legislature

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?
Absolutely frustrated. I will bring my 30 years of private sector experience where it is mandatory to collaborate to succeed to Augusta to help change this toxic environment. It is time for a change.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
My job is taking photos of the Maine outdoors. Our environment has shaped both my career and how my wife and I have raised our children. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Speed Round

Should voters be required to show ID at the polls?

No