Previous Offices Held
I’ve been on the Gorham Town Council since 2022, and was re-elected last year. This past year, I have been vice chair of the Town Council.
Top Three Priorities
Lower taxes by ending corporate handouts: By repealing the BETE program, a major corporate handout, we can return $150 million to local budgets statewide. Rein in healthcare costs: We need to put limits on insurance companies and hospital prices and create a public option. In the long-term, we need universal healthcare. Protect Mainers from Big Tech: We need to modernize our tech policy in many ways, including consumer protection for online-connected products and taxing the selling of our data.
Why are you running?
I'm running because I believe in building a government that works for all of the people. A government that we feel good to pay our taxes to. That exists to support the people who live here. That uses its money and power to help people live better lives.
What is one way Maine is on the right track? What is one way the state is on the wrong track?
Right track: Voting Rights. We have automatic voter registration, easy-to-apply for absentee ballots, and early voting. We are one of only two states that has no criminal disenfranchisement laws. Maine makes it very easy for citizens to be able to vote. Wrong track: Rural hospitals continue to close across our state. The legislature needs to take substantial steps to make sure everyone has access to high-quality medical care, not just those near our cities.
As one of several dozen legislators in your chamber, how would you make a measurable difference for your constituents?
I know many of my passions are shared by other legislators, and I will not be the only one caring about affordability, housing and healthcare. However, I do believe I will make a measurable and unique difference for my constituents with tech policy; I will be the only computer science teacher in the legislature. My expertise will give me the credibility to ensure our tech policy is robust and forward-thinking as we contend with issues such as data centers, AI, and cyberattacks.
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?
As I mentioned above, I want to repeal the BETE program. It was initially designed for small businesses. The program has now become a cash grab for any business, no matter how large or profitable. It is a statewide tax break on local taxes. Gorham alone is missing out on $2.3 million from this corporate handout, and statewide the total is close to $150 million. Repealing this program would bring money back to our towns and schools and immediately lower the property tax burden for people.