PARTY AFFILIATION: Republican
PREVIOUS ELECTED EXPERIENCE: One term Maine House of Representatives, 12 and a half years Bowdoinham Selectman, 8 years as Chairman
What is the biggest need your constituents are expressing as you speak with them while campaigning and how can the Legislature address this?
My district suffers from high property taxes especially seniors that want to stay in their homes and not sell off acreage or property. The quickest and easiest fix is to reform school administration since 60+ percent of property taxes goes to school systems. Not enough funds get to teachers and students while too much goes to administration. Part of this is the fault of unfunded mandates by the State and Federal governments. Another issue that troubles me is the loss of the Coast Guard contracts by BIW. I have 403 shipbuilders in my district and I will do all I can to support them and fight for their security.
Are there areas to cut money from the state budget without cutting services from people who need them, and where would you start cutting?
The first step in reducing the State budget is to make absolutely sure the people using services and receiving benefits need them. We have become a welfare state attracting people from other states because of our generous welfare system. There needs to be more strings attached and more accountability.
What makes you the best candidate to serve in this office?
For several reasons I am the best candidate. I AM NOT a career politician with eyes on the sky to see how far I can get. I am likely running my last campaign with only one goal in mind: to preserve our culture, our way of life and our traditions. We have a Governor that does things a little differently. I know for a fact that I am more likely to accomplish things and work with the Governor than against him. I have track record as a Public Works Director and Selectman of working with people. My Military service, Municipal service, and Elected service amounts to 30 years of Public Service and I have found solutions for difficult problems with difficult people.
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