Party affiliation: Democrat
Social media accounts: www.facebook.com/mattieformaine/   https://twitter.com/mattieformaine
Occupation: Brewer
Education: BFA from Smith College
Community Organizations: n/a
Personal information (hobbies, etc.): Exploring our beautiful state with my family and pups, cooking, playing music, and gardening
Family status: Happy
Years in the Legislature: Three terms
Committee assignments (if elected): Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?

We need holistic solutions, multi-faceted approaches that include prevention, treatment, and law enforcement. We can not solve this through arrests alone.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?

I support any legislation that can help protect children and modernize our state system. It is inherently clear that our state system is failing and we need to do all we can to protect our children

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?

It should be up to local communities. We passed a bi-partisan bill near the end of the session that removes the diploma mandate and, instead, allows local communities to decide.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?

Yes. I believe health care is a right, not a privilege. Mainers deserve access to quality health care no matter their zip code.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?

I support the concept and will work toward enabling all Seniors to age at home.
Rather than a piecemeal approach to health care, I would like a comprehensive system that covers all Mainers.

6) Are you frustrated by the political sniping, exaggeration and even lies between the parties and their supporters that have threatened progress usually reached through respect and reasoned compromise? If so, what will you personally do to make the situation better?

The rancor has increased. However, the majority of us are bi-partisan. Most of us work hard to treat each other with respect and to reach reasonable compromises; it just doesn’t make the headlines.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.

I was a competitive fencer in college (epee), and enjoy archery!

Speed round: Should voters be required to show ID at the polls?

No

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