Campaign Phone
(207)521-1130
Many of Maine's challenges are symptoms of a greater problem: Maine's disastrous energy policy. Maine's selection of wind and solar, and suppression of other less expensive forms such as hydropower, has created a energy grid reliant on diesel and natural gas generators when wind and solar are not operational on calm days and at night. That fossil fuel backup generation raises electric rates, creates energy uncertainty, and uncompetitively high pricing that drives away business and the anchor employers Maine needs to thrive. In the 132nd Legislature I will re-submit a bill to allow Mainers to access inexpensive, reliable, and green hydropower that will attract employers, relieve ratepayers, and help to stabilize Maine's economy.
Maine's civic life is unique, in that it employs Citizens' Initiatives and the power of the Peoples' Veto. While any Mainer in public life can personally promote elections or their own candidacy, the real key to civic engagement is quality education that makes clear to Mainers how important and powerful their own vote can be. Only with quality information can a good decision be made, but our press and media outlets have not been responsible partners in providing voters with non-partisan truths. In the 132nd Legislature, I will continue to represent District 6 by supporting legislation and funding for quality civics education and will continue to engage with the media on issues important to Mainers.
Contributing to the lack of affordable housing are record inflation, zoning restrictions on multi-family and starter homes, shortage of builders and affordable materials, and increased interest rates that make expensive houses even more expensive. "Affordable housing" can include existing homeowners, often seniors on fixed incomes, being able to stay in their homes while facing inflation-increased taxes and maintenance, and the increased cost of heating and electric rates from Maine's mismanaged energy policy. Promoting training in building trades, zoning changes, freezing seniors' property taxes, tax breaks on Maine-sourced building materials, and correcting Maine's disastrous energy policy can all help alleviate this problem.
As a homeowner, husband, and father of four, I know fiscal responsibility is important, and I treat your tax money respectfully because I know how hard-earned it was. My 25-year career as a criminal investigator not only provides me with professional knowledge of policing and issues concerning criminal law and corrections, but about fact-supported and experience-driven solutions. I am knowledgeable of your individual civil rights and I defend them all. I introduced bills in the 131st Legislature on issues of energy policy, conservation, taxation, and voting rights, among others. I am proud to be the voice of Maine House District 6 in Maine's 131st Legislature, and will continue to do so in the 132nd. Thank you.
As a social worker who spends most of her time out in the community, I see many folks who are struggling with poverty. Northern Maine needs to find a way to diversify our economy to bring more opportunity and growth to our towns. The mental health and substance use epidemic has exacerbated poverty in our rural areas. Between increased poverty and market changes, housing has become an enormous problem all over Maine in which supply cannot keep up with demand. In my district, as well as the rest of Maine, affordable, accessible and quality childcare continues to be a major challenge for our families and employers.
I will continue to travel my large, rural district and engage my constituents in conversations. I will work hard to keep my publicly accessible information up to date so my constituents can stay informed. I will continue to participate in local events and be visible to my district. If elected, I will utilize town hall meetings and public forums for my constituents to have access to me. Every person I meet, I encourage to register to vote, whether they support my candidacy or not; it is important that everyone exercises their right to vote and participates in our democracy. I will use my platform to spread voting information and always answer questions about the process.
I will continue to engage with the stakeholders I have been working with locally to understand the issues and pursue solutions. I will advocate for systemic changes that encourage increasing supply and expanded opportunities for homeownership. Educating communities to reduce stigma and improve options for housing development opportunities is an important step in solving this crisis. Facilitating conversations between municipalities and developers to encourage collaboration is something that can be done across the state. As a community member, my husband and I have been actively working to increase supply of locally affordable housing, including recently renovating a dilapidated property in our community for a family to live in.
My passion is helping others, which I currently do on an individual and family level as an in-home therapist in Aroostook County. I hope to increase those I can help by serving as a state legislator and making large scale changes that benefit our communities. I hope to serve my constituents as an advocate for all. I am a proud County Girl who plans to bring County values and common sense to the State House to support hardworking families in reaching their goals. With a master's degree in social work, I bring the knowledge, skill and ethics necessary to be a representative and strong voice for our community.
