Address: 71 Dover Road, Boothbay

Occupation: Director, Community Resource Council; Development Director, Lincoln County Dental

Education: Bachelor's Degree Nasson College; Muskie School of Public Service - coursework Health Policy Management; Harvard University - Kennedy School of Government State and Local Executive Program

Political History (Board, Committees): Town of Boothbay Planning Board 2004-2010; Boothbay Region Water District 2022 -present

Clubs/Organizations: Boothbay Region District Nurse Association - Board of Directors; Board President 2016-present; Lincoln Health - Board of Trustees 2014-present; Boothbay Railway Village, Board of Directors, 2018 - present; Medical Care Development Global Health - Board of Directors 2018-present

Considering the position you are running for, what do you feel are the three most pressing issues (350 words or less)

The pressing issues we are facing include the inflationary costs of heat and energy, affordable housing, and the federal restrictions placed on the lobster industry. Inflationary costs have increased significantly and there is not one single policy initiative that will address the confluence of issues impacting these costs. It is more effective to support existing assistance programs that are already in place at the state and local level and available to income eligible Mainers. Examples of these include the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Central Housing Improvement Program, and weatherization programs through Maine’s Community Action Programs. An additional resource is the Maine Wastewater Assistance Program offered through Maine Housing. These programs offer energy and cash assistance to keep our neighbors safe and warm this winter.

The lack of housing in this District is a crisis. We have seen prices nearly double as the availability of affordable houses has become nonexistent. The passage of LD 2003 allows municipalities to modify ordinances and zoning rules to increase the options for some homeowners to expand the housing capacity on their property. I think the strongest solutions are those that can combine state, local and private investors to bring about housing solutions. To have a strong and vibrant workforce, we must be strategic in our response to this housing crisis. Our workforce issues are inextricably linked to our lack of affordable or available housing stock.

The lobster industry represents our culture, our heritage and is the economic driver of our communities. I strongly oppose the restrictions imposed by the federal government on lobster fishing. I will vote to block those efforts and will fight against the fictional narrative being promoted by them. Our fishermen are being attacked by both the global economy and activists. It is imperative that we work in a bipartisan fashion to support them and counter these attacks.

Any other thoughts on why you are running or what you can bring to the office? (150 words or less)

I am running for reelection because I am deeply committed to the people and communities that I represent. I was born and raised here and know the issues and problems that impact my neighbors. I believe that affordable healthcare is a right and must include mental health and substance use disorder treatment. We must support our local businesses so that they continue to operate successfully. It is imperative that we work with our fishermen to support them and counter the attacks on this industry. We must ensure that all people have access to safe and legal abortion services without fear. We must address the economic impact of inflationary costs and help the people who worry about how they will stay warm this winter. These are the faces and the voices I reflect upon with each decision I make in Augusta. I would be honored to have your vote on Nov. 8.