Previous Offices Held
Currently serving second stint as speaker of the Maine House (2020-2022, 2024-present) and fifth two-year term in the House (2014-2022, 2024-present). Served on Biddeford Charter Revision Commission in 2011.
Top Three Priorities
We need to address key issues related to affordability for Maine families, from housing costs to childcare access to rising property taxes. While progress has been made on many of these issues, more work remains. Due to restrictions in Maine’s constitution, property taxes are not equitably levied based on ability to pay. It is time that lawmakers reassess the constitutional provision regarding property taxes in order to provide relief to hardworking families and seniors.
Why are you running?
While Maine’s economy remains strong on paper, for too many people, financial security remains out of reach. I’m running because Mainers should be able to get ahead and not just get by. We need to build a Maine where anyone can be earnest and hardworking and, in turn, achieve financial prosperity.
What is one way Maine is on the right track? What is one way the state is on the wrong track?
Right track: Restrictions/regulation have hindered housing developments. Maine has been a leader in cutting red tape to ensure that more homes can be built. Mainers can now build a duplex or accessory dwelling unit on almost any residential lot. Wrong track: Maine needs to safeguard ratepayers and the environment from data centers. It is critical that we work in the next legislative session to make sure that any data center doesn't drive up electricity costs for the rest of us and/or extract resources from the environment.
As one of several dozen legislators in your chamber, how would you make a measurable difference for your constituents?
No one accomplishes anything in the Maine Legislature on their own. In fact, those who see the work from an “I” perspective rather than a “we” perspective will be unsuccessful. We need to tackle the biggest issues facing the state by setting aside the lightning-rod issues and actually digging into the details of policy that will lead to real, positive outcomes for Maine families.
Surveys show the economy is the top concern of voters. What is a specific proposal addressing Maine voters’ economic anxieties that you’d work to make law?
Many Mainers work in public sector jobs like education, policing and firefighting where negotiators work towards a contract agreement. However, on occasion, they come to an impasse and require arbitration. Arbitration is not binding and cannot assist with bringing negotiations to an end. I support binding arbitration so folks like this don't go months without a contract. These people work hard for the public good. They deserve fair contracts and an arbitration process that means something.