A Vision for District 20
My vision is deeply rooted in the belief that unity, community, and innovation are the cornerstones of a prosperous Maine.
I will work for a Maine where the richness of our diversity is celebrated, where the health and well-being of every resident is prioritized, and where bold actions pave our way forward. It's a future where education is the key that unlocks the door to endless opportunities for all, healthcare is a fundamental right, and affordable housing is available everywhere from our vibrant cities to our serene rural landscapes.
My mission is to champion a progressive, inclusive vision for Maine—a vision that places people at its heart, transcends partisan politics, and zeroes in on practical, tangible solutions. Running as an independent candidate, I am driven by the conviction that the diverse voices of all Mainers deserve representation, not just those who pledge allegiance to a particular party.
I am committed to leading and learning, especially in areas where experts and other members have worked extensively in the various fields of impact. I like to believe that Vote ForWard ‘24 is not just a campaign; it's a movement towards a Maine that works for everyone, guided by our shared values of prosperity, inclusivity, and resilience. Together, through open dialogue, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to these principles, we can face any obstacle and ensure that the best days for Maine are yet to come.
Child Care and Education
As someone with two kids, our largest fear and biggest economic impact was child care for our two boys. We were lucky to have gotten on a waiting list and found positive child care options, but this isn’t the case for everyone. Additionally, the pricing can leave families with huge economic gaps and debts.
Thus I will advocate for quality education from early childhood up through higher and post secondary education, and for improved child care access. My focus is;
To continue to better fund public schools, enhance teacher salaries and address the salary bands that can cause wage discrepancy, while providing more resources for special education and Ed Tech efforts. I desire to make College Education in the State more affordable and obtainable, while elevating vocational and alternative certificate and education programs.
To advocate for expanded childcare options. I want to provide additional funding assistance child care facilities, while also assisting those with children to afford child care options directly. I want to push for more child care facilities within the State, either within the private market, or provide care in connection with local businesses, organizations, and communities.
We collectively must push for the development and support of state-wide initiatives to increase the availability of child care slots, especially in underserved rural areas, and emphasize the importance of investing in the child care workforce through fair wages and professional development opportunities, to improve quality and stability in the sector.
Housing
We need to be clear about the various types of housing we need. While affordable housing can work in some spaces, workforce housing, and expanding traditional housing are also necessary. It is never a one size fits all and so we must have clear approaches to each of those.
Workforce Housing
I want to make access to housing options a priority and providing more critical information about housing options. I look to advocate for housing that focuses on assisting those looking to enter into the workforce in Maine. This should also benefit developers in their attempt to find quality areas to place housing facilitates. Reconsidering the necessary base salaries for such housing will be needed as median incomes vary across communities and across the state.
Allowing municipalities to set standards and direct key spaces as options for housing endeavors is important. Each municipality knows their community best and should work with the State to provide information on key areas that can and can’t work. A better relational bridge is required so the State does not force housing options in undesirable locations.
Affordable Housing
I advocate for affordable housing in key areas that work with the municipality and its community. The measure of what is affordable needs to be re-considered given the community, as 120% vs 80% can be different for different areas.
I push that affordable housing needs to have a time frame which converts to either accruing equity within such housing, or a step towards future permanent housing. Using the affordable housing model should be to assist in transitions to residential housing and not a long term solution as permanent housing.
We must also consider how affordable housing can positively impact and connect to the rental market, helping renters maintain affordable rates and yet allow landlords to feel they can come back into the rental market and provide quality living spaces. Affordable housing that pushes rents too high, or forces landlords without rent options creates an economic divide of which we are currently seeing.
Traditional Housing
I want to represent a continued effort to find opportunities for traditional homes to be built within the state. These efforts come down to a few precise measures.
Location; where is there available land that does not impact climate issues or preserved and conserved land that must be maintained for continued growth of Maines natural resources.
Market factors; how is the housing market expanding or contracting. Building homes that are overinflated can push a housing bubble that could harm home buyers. While supply is important, oversaturation in one space can create imbalances in market values.
Community accommodations; what do various towns and municipalities offer as a draw to buying a home. We must move to assist areas to become more attractive to businesses, both big and small, that want to do business in Maine. These workforce options should draw people to live and work in Maine.
Climate and Environmental Conservation
Maine is a wealth of resources that should be maintained and enhanced, while having key conversations on what we currently hold in land reserves. With these rich natural resources, we must combat the changing climate, first by acknowledging there is a change, but working to get out ahead of these changes we are seeing.
I look to promote new and innovative renewable energy sources and support polices that protect Maine forests, coastlines, and wildlife in an attempt to find such renewable sources. Looking at wind, solar, geothermal, and others, requires us to also collaborate with the communities they impact.
I advocate for assisting towns and municipalities in making budgetary measures as they deal with the effects of climate shifts and changes. The State should set aside funds to assist with local disaster relief as more rains and wetter climate changes have caused rising waters, erosion, and other flood issues, causing heavy damage to town infrastructure. The State plays a role in assisting communities to recover from these shifts.
I also look to promote positive tree growth, while creating measures that allow for positive foresting at manageable rates. Our forests are a vital resource Maine we can’t afford to loose, and thus we must better manage this more acutely through tree growth efforts. Continued investment in stakeholders and advisors who understand the changing landscape are crucial, while polices that protect our forests are important. Continuing a conversation on conserving land, at the right amount, is part of responsible management.