Tell us why you are running for the office of Maine State Senate or Representative.
Schools
How would you evaluate Maine’s secondary and primary education as both exist today? What would you do through legislation to make improvements?
Women’s Healthcare
Do you think reproductive rights should be regulated by either the Federal or Maine State Law?
If so, to what extent would you view as reasonable regulation in this area of women’s healthcare?
Community Colleges and Universities
Maine’s two-years-free community college was extended for another two years. What is your opinion about this extension? Please explain.
Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development has stated that Maine needs to add 75,000 technical and specialized workers in order to sustain growth in the state. A significant part of this problem is the loss of college graduates to other states. What would you do to address this longterm employment and economic issue?
Communication
According to a 2018 study published in the Oxford Journal of Communication, communities without a local source of news become more partisan, divided and politically fractured, yet dozens of weekly newspapers have closed across Maine in recent years. How would you reverse this trend? What other measures would you take to reduce partisan conflicts dividing local Maine communities?
Economy in the State of Maine
In your opinion, is the economy in the State of Maine working for all segments of our society?
If not, what would you do through the legislative actions to make adjustments?
Despite Maine having the one of lowest unemployment rates in the nation, 3.0%, at the end of last year, business owners still have difficulty filling open positions. What would be your solution to solving this employment gap?
Affordable Housing
Throughout the state there is a shortage of affordable housing. LD 2003, passed in 2022, was enacted to increase housing opportunities in Maine by adjusting zoning and land use restrictions.
In your opinion, what else could be done to ease the shortage and cost of affordable housing/apartments in Maine?
Mental Health/Substance Use
Although deaths from opioid overdoses have decreased slightly under Gov Mills, Maine still lost 617 lives last year to preventable overdoses. Maine also has a well documented shortage of mental health professionals. If elected to your office, what would you do to address both of these important issues?
Closing Question
Lastly, what would you do to improve the quality of life in your district?
HOUSE DISTRICT #63
LEE TRAHAN
Background
I’m running for state representative because I feel that my unique life experience has allowed me to see things from many angles. At 25 yrs old, I had a traumatic vehicle accident which left me a c6/7 quadriplegic. Through this perspective, I have learned how to fight and voice my needs by communicating with healthcare professionals and insurance companies. I want everyone’s voice to be heard in its own unique way. Everyone has their own experiences that will persuade them to feel a certain way and I feel it is my obligation to bring all of those perspectives to Augusta for equal attention and consideration.
Schools
I feel the schools in Maine could do a better job at preparing the students for life after graduation. I would like to see teachers’ pay increased to attract and retain Maine educated teachers to stay in state. I would also like to increase funding to high school technical centers to train individuals for lucrative positions within the state.
Women’s Healthcare
I believe federal and state laws should be removed from decisions that should clearly be determined by healthcare professionals and their patients.
Community Colleges and Universities
I would like to see the extension of Maine’s two-year-free community college program indefinitely. I believe through careful legislation to include a commitment from students benefiting from this program to remain in state and employed in their field of study for a minimum of three years post graduation.
Communication
I’d like to introduce measures to reach rural communities to interact with social and political issues and keep people informed and engaged more. I would travel the district and speak with people regularly and listen to their concerns.
Economy in the State of Maine
No, I don’t. Have open and honest discussion with employers to discuss possible revisions to the state of Maine tax code to better equip the state of Maine employers to offer increased pay and benefits. Some thoughts I have to begin this discussion may be that if employers are able to retain workers for a period of time they can apply for tax credit of some sort.
Affordable Housing
I would introduce legislation for property owners/management to prohibit excessive rent increases. I would also support state level grants for refabrication of abandoned buildings in the state of Maine into affordabl;e housing. A huddle I faced in 2019, I had no place to live that was wheelchair accessible and affordable for someone disabled.
Mental Health/Substance Use
would like to see a reduction in restrictions placed on mental health workers by MaineCare and other insurance companies to allow a more holistic, client centered approach to care.
Closing Question
Through the above identified steps as well as addressing issues like PFAS (foreverchemicals), in the communities I will serve and make one top priority to increase the quality of life in my district.
His opponent, Paul Flynn did not respond to our survey.
HOUSE DISTRICT #66
ROBERT NUTTING
Background
I have served almost 20 years as a town councilor and as a state representative and 30 years as a pharmacist and a business owner. I believe that I can use my experience to help direct the legislature to improve the lives of our citizens. . .for government to leave people alone when they do nothing wrong, let them keep more of what they earn, and make smart policies about electricity costs, vehicle costs, and home ownership.
Schools
Maine is ranked in the bottom 10% of the states on education. Our future depends on educating our children and we must do better. Schools must concentrate on core subjects and parents need more choices of where their children can be educated.
Women’s Healthcare:
I believe that abortion laws should be left to the individual states. I was satisfied with Maine’s law before the last legislature changed the law to allow abortions for any reason up until the time of birth. . .I believe that is excessive.
Community Colleges and Universities
I like the free community college program. Maine needs more people trained in the trades and for jobs that do not require four-year college degrees. To retain college graduates in Maine, I am open to discussions about targeted (for positions where we have lots of openings) incentives.
Communications
So much news today is instantly available that daily newspapers are struggling. Even though local news is posted on X or Facebook, I believe that there is still a demand for local news on an apolitical medium that reports on town events and sports. I don’t think most people need newspapers to get world and national news anymore. I don’t have the solution but if I’m right someone in the business will figure it out. Finally, as long as there are people and communities, there will be conflicts. . .we just need to be civil with each other.
Economy in the state of Maine
The State of Maine spends far too much money. Reducing spending and thereby taxes would improve our economy. The combination of COVID and social programs has taken thousands out of our workforce. Getting the numbers back up will take time and will require new families raising the workers of the future and reasons for them to continue living in Maine.
Affordable Housing
Inflation caused by government spending and the printing of money is making home ownership a real hardship. The more that government gets involved, the worse it seems to get. Fix spending, get inflation and interest rates down, and affordable housing will return.
Mental Health/Substance Abuse
With tons of Fentanyl coming across our open borders, we will never prevent overdoses. The best we can hope for is punishment for those who distribute dangerous drugs and increasing the number of mental health workers by making Maine more attractive to them and incentivizing them to stay here as I mentioned previously.
Closing Question
As I said in my opening, some government services are essential but a less intrusive government and one which allows you to spend more of your own money on things and activities that make your life better and happier will lead to a better quality of life for people in my district.
His opponent, Alicia Barnes, did not respond to our survey.
Responsible journalism is hard work!
It is also expensive!
If you enjoy reading The Town Line and the good news we bring you each week, would you consider a donation to help us continue the work we’re doing?
The Town Line is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit private foundation, and all donations are tax deductible under the Internal Revenue Service code.
To help, please visit our online donation page or mail a check payable to The Town Line, PO Box 89, South China, ME 04358. Your contribution is appreciated!
