Political experience

None.

Why are you running for office?

Because there should be more focus on bringing long term and good paying jobs to the region. Because there should be more people working together and less rancor in Augusta. Democrats, Republicans, Greens and others should be looking past differences and finding ways to pass things that they agree on. Families in Maine deserve as much.

• 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?
  • No.
    I think that raising taxes on more goods and services at a time when the Maine economy is so dependent on the influx of seasonal tourists would be job killing and short sighted. I believe a better approach is to visit the decrease in income tax and increase in goods and services tax after jobs not so dependent on tourist trade has been permanently increased.
• Background Checks: Do you support background checks for privately sold firearms in Maine?
  • Other.
    If someone is posting a gun for sale on craigslist, I want the recipient to be as vetted as someone who goes in to Van Raymond Outfitter. Gun shops shouldn’t be held to a higher standard than people who make back alley deals.
• 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?
  • Yes.
    It should be higher, but any support for the working class of Maine should be something everyone with a conscious is behind.
• Marijuana: Do you support legalization of marijuana for recreational use?
  • Yes.
    I just don’t see it as a gateway drug, or more dangerous than alcohol. The recreational use of marijuana should not lead to the time wasted in court of our law enforcement officers, judges, clerks: or the expense of our taxpayers.
• 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?
  • When heroin/opiate addiction is eliminated, then we can say we have done enough. More training of law enforcement officers, judges, counselors, and medical professionals should be funded on an ongoing basis. Looking at setting up drug courts and other alternative remedies should be researched and considered.