Top Three Priorities
My top priorities all address livability and equity of access — I want to ensure that our zip codes don’t dictate our opportunities. This means that affordable housing, healthy food and childcare must be accessible to working families. Being able to age in place with high quality healthcare is critical to ensuring that our communities remain vibrant. Maine’s working lands and working waterfronts are central to our culture and communities and I will work to protect them.
Why are you running?
I am running because I believe at the state level we have opportunity. To mitigate the harmful effects of what’s happening at the federal level, and to set the standard for a high quality of life for Maine, providing an example for other states. I want to use the skill set I have developed, as an experienced policy strategist, a small business owner, and as a person with deep experience working with communities, to help Maine be the livable, thriving state we love to call home.
What is one way Maine is on the right track? What is one way the state is on the wrong track?
Maine has taken significant steps to create programming that makes a difference. The universal school meals program, universal pre-k, tuition-free community college, expanded Medicaid — all of these have helped to reduce barriers to work and education and create healthier outcomes. We still need to address burdensome property taxes, the state school funding formula, and the need to meaningfully invest in our heritage industries to grow potential revenues.
As one of several dozen legislators in your chamber, how would you make a measurable difference for your constituents?
I have never shied away from doing the hard work — and in this role that means showing up, being present, communicating openly and frequently with my constituents, building teams at the State House and taking action. I have a wonderful network of legislators, friends, colleagues and collaborators around the state I can lean into to help identify and create solutions for my constituents.
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?
Tax transparency. Mainers are faced with increasing tax bills and not enough information about what benefits those dollars are providing, and what relief programs may be available to them. I propose that when receiving a municipal or state tax bill, we be informed of the specific items being taxed, and relief opportunities; how to qualify, and how to apply. I would further create a tax liaison position to train municipal staff, so they are supported to pass that information on.