People are concerned by the rising cost of living. Food, electricity, housing, health care, and property taxes have all become more expensive very quickly. Much of this is due to bad legislation passed in Augusta over the last 6 years that imposed unfunded mandates for schools and businesses. Although these laws may be well-intentioned, the majority of lawmakers did not rationally examine the long-term consequences. I have never been afraid to vote with the minority because the resulting rise in prices was predictable and my focus is on representing the regular people in my district, not whatever special interest group is applying pressure in Augusta.
The general voter malaise is frustrating and disheartening, much of it driven by media. I make every effort to engage with voters and let them know that the vast majority of legislators from both sides of the aisle genuinely want to do the right thing. Extremists are alienating the majority of people who are in the middle politically, but I let them know that I care about and represent the average Gray and New Gloucester citizen. I listen to both sides and in my leadership role I try to act as a bridge between the extremes, but I need people to show up and vote so I can continue.
I already have lead the way toward significant progress in addressing the high cost of housing. I co-sponsored bills that remove barriers to construction of rental units, so that regular people who want to build an apartment can do so. This allows generations to live near each other in "granny units", increases the supply of housing, and allows people to supplement their income. However, there is still pressure to pass burdensome new codes, which increase the cost of housing. For example, some proposed energy codes only increase efficiency by a small percentage, but add disproportionately to the cost to build and decrease indoor air quality. I'll keep fighting for common sense and free market solutions to make housing more affordable.
I have a broad range of life experience that informs my work as a legislator. Growing up working on a Maine dairy farm and then working as a molecular geneticist allows me to understand and appreciate those who work in both blue and white collar jobs. Having had three children very close in age to each other allows me to relate to the struggles that parents go through. Running a business gives me insight into the barriers that businesses have. My volunteer work on local boards, including the school board, plus 6 years as a legislator, allows me to understand the interplay of state and local government. All of my roles have given me a unique ability to be a representative who balances a rational view of obstacles with care and compassion.
Campaign Phone
207-939-0894
We have an aging population, not enough affordable housing for the elderly, or first time home buyers, and many employers are having difficulty filling open positions, at the same time job seekers are struggling to connect with Employers.
I am frequently advocating for more folks to participage in local government, When I ran for the selectboard it was because I was frustrated that the same folks had been participating for many years and I decided that if we needed new ideas we needed new people to participate, so I ran. I have continued to speak to this idea as frequently as possible. I encourage every young person to vote, to pay attention and to advocate for ideas that are important to them. I am meeting with young folks who are interested in getting involved to talk about my journey and encourage them.
This is tricky, and I don't have a ready solution. I think that short term rentals are problematic. When home owners can make more money from short term rentals, with fewer headaches than long term rentals it is easy to understand why they choose that route, but it does reduce the number of available rental properties for folks looking for a home. Perhaps affordable and desirable retirement housing would open the market for single family homes which would make it somewhat easier for folks looking to buy their first house.
I grew up with a very republican father, and a very democratic mother. My siblings and I were taught to listen to the ideas of others. To advocate for ideas that we felt strongly about, and back our thoughts up with fact. We learned how to have civil conversation an find common ground. It is how I try to get through life as an adult.
