If I had to choose one area to focus on right now, it would be economic security. We need to continue to focus tax relief on those who truly need it, support efforts to increase the creation and availability of affordable housing across the state, and provide more workforce development opportunities. In addition, we need to do all we can to make Maine a welcoming and supportive place for working families. I was so honored to be the lead sponsor of the Paid Family Medical Leave bill in the House this session because I know how important it is to have policies in place that allow folks to care for their families while earning a paycheck. Creating a caregiving continuum is my top priority for the 132nd Legislature.
Working in the community partnerships office at a small liberal arts college, I connect folks to organizations working to make change in issue areas that they care about through direct, personal conversations, relationship building, and strong, trusting partnerships. Engaging with constituents in their preferred space allows them to feel comfortable and engaging in active listening helps them to feel heard. Providing positive reinforcement when folks step outside of their comfort zone gives them the courage to do it again. Folks often don’t know how accessible their government is in Maine, so inviting them to the State House to testify on a bill or just to have a tour of the building helps to make them feel like a part of the process.
I was honored this session to sponsor LD 1505, which expanded affordable housing by amending the Maine Cooperative Affordable Housing Ownership Act to include group equity cooperatives (resident-controlled housing owned by a corporation in which residents own a share of stock), and provided that a housing assistance program must be made reasonably available to residents of housing cooperatives. For renters who struggle to find affordable housing, group equity cooperative housing offers an affordable, equitable solution.
In order to make sustained progress on the various aspects of our housing crisis, it is critical that we weave together small initiatives like this with larger ones to create a concise, effective strategy.
The work I do begins and ends with relationship-building and collaboration, and those are the pieces I enjoy most about the work. I've learned that the way to get things across the finish line is to build consensus with my colleagues and peers, to invite folks to the table to engage in discussion, and to help ensure leadership of that discussion is driven by those most affected by the outcomes. I am ready and willing to work with anyone and I have a work ethic that pushes me toward solutions (which I sometimes have to keep in check in order to allow the very necessary space for valuable conversation).
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
