Previous Offices Held
First time running for elected office.
Top Three Priorities
As I have knocked on doors in my district, there are three common denominators I’ve heard from both Republicans and Democrats. Firstly, healthcare — no one cares who you voted for when a hospital closes. Secondly, day-to-day costs — gas, groceries, etc., impact all of us. Lastly, housing costs are impacting Mainers of all ages and isn’t viable long term.
Why are you running?
At my core, I’m guided by a simple set of values: help people when they need it, treat others with empathy, and stand up for those who don’t have a voice. That’s how I was raised, and it’s how I’ve tried to live my life. I’ve always believed that if you’re in a position to do something, you should. Now that my kids are grown and I have the time and ability, I feel a responsibility to step up and serve.
What is one way Maine is on the right track? What is one way the state is on the wrong track?
I think Mainers do a good job of managing our natural resources compared to other states. Both sides of the aisle appreciate the things we all remain here for — the natural beauty, the hunting and fishing, the beaches and forests that have attracted visitors for centuries. Conversely, we have room for improvement on several fronts and if I had to isolate it to one primary issue it would be energy management/affordability.
As one of several dozen legislators in your chamber, how would you make a measurable difference for your constituents?
Regardless of working within your own party or reaching across the aisle, the ability to collaborate with others to work on solutions is imperative. Fighting for bills and policies that benefit my constituents will very likely also benefit most other working-class Mainers. Mainers across the state regardless of party affiliation have far more in common than not.
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?
Being able to alleviate financial stress and anxieties to some measurable degree for Mainers is my top priority. I believe energy cost reduction is likely the easiest path to achieve that as it not only pertains to the most Mainers but something we in the state can actually control and address.