What steps would you take to solve Maine’s budget crisis?

After years of budget cuts, we are at a point where Mainers are really witnessing the effects of those cuts on a day-to-day basis.   If Maine hopes to regain strength coming out of this recession, and see education, health, and social service programs rebuilt, we need to become serious about opening revenue streams to make up for recent shortfalls. 

I would support a progressive and equitable taxation system, where those most able to pay back into the system compensate to a large degree for those less able.  Such a system would emphasize income, luxury, and corporate taxation.  We should revisit the income tax brackets and possibly institute an additional bracket for the highest income.  In broad based sales taxes, I would look specifically at luxury taxes that would affect high-income individuals as well as tourist dollars.  I'd like also to separate out meals from lodging taxes.

What type of transportation development would you support?

Begin development of a commuter rail infrastructure in Maine, starting with lines between Portland and Lewiston/Auburn and Portland and Windham.  Funds for these vital commuter links are available due to the passage of a bond package, but we must make sure the funds are appropriately allocated.  With appropriate upgrades the St. Lawrence/Atlantic railway can move thousands of commuters to and from L/A and Portland via Falmouth and Yarmouth.  Likewise, an upgraded Mountain Division line would serve commuters from Westbrook and Windham.

These rail upgrades would drastically reduce the number of cars traveling into our city.  This would mean less pollution, immense savings on road maintenance, more parking, and a cleaner, healthier city.

What type of energy development would you support?

My vision of a sustainable energy plan for Maine would include investing first in large-scale conservation by super-insulating homes and buildings.  Once heating costs were reduced by this method, energy needs could be augmented by smaller wind and solar projects, with less impact on forests, habitats, and families living in rural communities than large-scale projects.

How would you help to grow Maine’s economy?

Support the creative economy.  We do this by supporting very small business, such as sole-proprietorship.  Our district represents many local shops and artist galleries, and I believe self-employment to be a valuable alternative to working for large companies in Maine.

In the long-term, we should find ways to create living wage jobs. Everyone deserves a living wage, and we ought to view a living wage as an economic stimulator, as opposed to a burden on employers.  One way to do so is by providing tax credits to small & middle size businesses that tie employee income to living wage indexes.

How would you ensure that all Mainers have access to quality health care?

I have been a long-time supporter of universal single-payer.  Employers and employees alike would benefit from a publicly funded, all-inclusive system.  I believe single-payer is the ultimate goal, and would like to see it implemented at the state level, since the practicality of implementation at the federal level seems light years away.

In the meantime, Maine should work to open revenue to fund Dirigo so that it is open and affordable to new enrollees, and rebuild cost savings into the program.  The state should also take an active role in preventative care health programs.

What would you do to help the underserved members of our community?

As someone who lives in the Arts District and works in the Government District, whose daily commute consists of a mile walk along Congress Street, I have seen an increase in homelessness and poverty in Portland over the last two years.  In many ways, the city of Portland acts as a service center for the whole state.   Given this dynamic, the Legislature ought to fully recognize Portland, and the other cities that similarly provide social services, as service centers, and prioritize resources for social services accordingly.

How would you work for the growing immigrant and refugee population in Maine?

Through my work on the issue of non-citizen voting on the Portland Charter Commission, I was able to work closely with leaders of Portland's immigrant communities, and I gained insight into the concerns of immigrant families.  Most important is to provide resources for education at all levels, particularly in English as a second language, and in adult-ed programs.  These programs aid new Maine residents in gaining the cultural and technical skills necessary to succeed in a new community, as well as provide for expediting the cumbersome citizenship process in many cases.

What other issues are you interested in advancing in Augusta?

As a 14-year vegetarian who grew up in rural Maine among horses and house-pets, I have developed a real sense of compassion for domestic animals and wildlife, and I would advance animal rights and welfare.  We should strengthen the resources of the Animal Welfare Program so that cases of domestic animal abuse and negligence are fully prosecuted.