PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat
PREVIOUS ELECTED EXPERIENCE: Served with 126th Legislature for one year; 10 years on the Arrowsic school committee.
What is the biggest need your constituents are expressing as you speak with them while campaigning and how can the Legislature address this?
Based on what I’ve been hearing most from the constituents I’ve talked to is their concern about the economy, about jobs and workforce training. Are we preparing people for the jobs we’d like to see? For years employers have been saying they have a hard time finding people with good workplace skills, including such basics as knowing what appropriate dress is, how to work in teams and how to communicate and follow instructions. Above all, employers are looking for individuals who know how to learn and can adapt to change. On the other hand, workers are looking for good wages and career opportunities. Education is a closely related issue, starting with the quality and availability of early learning , Pre-K opportunities, through adult and continuing education. Another topic I hear a lot about is health care. There are still too many people, including working adults, who either don’t have access or can’t afford to pay for health care. That puts a strain on our health care providers, on families, on employers. And finally, I hear concerns about property taxes, particularly from older residents on fixed incomes.
Are there areas to cut money from the state budget without cutting services to people who need them, and if so, where would you start cutting?
Our state budget, which our constitution requires to be balanced, is a statement of our values. Where we spend our resources reflects areas we think are important. I believe it important to create a budget that addresses the needs of our people. I would begin by assuring those most in need are taken care of and then look to make investments in things that benefit all of us, such as public education, roads and other areas of infrastructure, our communities and our natural resources.
What makes you the best candidate to serve in this office?
I have the skills, the experience and the values to accomplish what I hear people say during my rounds of knocking on doors: they want their government to work, they want us to come out of our corners and find the middle ground. As one woman expressed it, “I’ve been married for 35 years, if we hadn’t compromised we’d never have made it this far.” I believe my experience as Chair of the 126th Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, as president of Mid Coast Economic Development District’s board, and as chair of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, among other positions I have held, provides evidence that I listen, that I can bring people together who have different views, and that I can get things done.
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