Let's bring some new energy to Augusta! As a first time candidate, I wanted to share a bit about my background and reasons for running.
I am a:
For nearly 20 years, Kittery has been my home. I work in the healthcare field as a Registered Dietitian and co-owner of a small private integrative medicine practice. My husband and I are the proud parents of a daughter who has attended Kittery public schools.
Rep. Deane Rykerson has served our town well but term limits prevent him from running again. He and many others have endorsed my campaign. I am a clean elections candidate, which means I will not accept donations from special interests or PACs. We need to get money out of politics!
I believe that listening is the first step toward solving problems. My history of community involvement has shown that I take that philosophy seriously. I have served as the Board Chair of the Kittery Community Center, and have volunteered on many school and community initiatives, including the Women and Children's Homeless Shelter, UU Soup Kitchen, Recycling Committee, Proficiency-Based Learning Committee, and the Diversity Committee. I have a proven track record of leadership and integrity. Two qualities that we need in our public servants!
I believe my experience and passion in the fields of health care, small business ownership, civil rights, the environment, and education will provide a strong foundation to tackle the issues that we are facing in our state government, particularly in light of the pandemic. I aim to be a strong, progressive voice for Kittery in Augusta. I humbly ask for your support.
I support the voter referendum that established a 55% funding level for Maine schools. The state budget has not achieved this level and taxpayers bear the burden of this shortfall. All Maine children deserve a high quality education with teachers receiving a livable wage. Too many of our Maine teachers are working two or three jobs to support themselves. State funding should help our districts improve teacher salaries and entice more teachers to work in our Maine schools.
As a Dietitian I have seen how feeling better changes my patients’ lives, livelihoods and family interactions. As a legislator, I would advocate for measures that offer expanded preventative health care coverage for all Mainers. I support legislation that is currently looking to expand Medicaid coverage to include dental care for children and postpartum care for mothers.
I also support Governor Mills initiative Made for Maine Health Coverage Act that seeks to offer common medical visits at a lower cost, simplifying shopping for a private plan, and leveraging federal funds to help small businesses afford insurance premiums.
It is my belief that health care is a human right; no Mainer should be without coverage and lowering healthcare costs needs to be a part of the solution.
I support renewable energy and climate change initiatives to reduce Maine's greenhouse gas emissions, including Governor Mill’s initiative to cut carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Included in this effort are incentives for creating energy-efficient heating, and new solar incentive programs.
This is near and dear to my heart as I was an original member of the Portsmouth Recycling Committee 30 years ago that implemented a city wide recycling initiative. More recently, I chaired the Kittery Community Center Board of Directors and lead the board to adopt a five year Strategic Plan that includes an emphasis on expanding the use of environmentally friendly, energy-efficient practices in the KCC, and explore the use of active and passive solar technologies.
I believe we need to act now and I will work hard to move Maine into a leadership position in a clean energy economy.
Please consider donating $5 to our campaign if you live in the district.
Clean elections help to keep big money out of politics and instead ensure people's voices are heard.
Donating just $5 benefits our campaign and helps elevate Kittery voices all the way to Augusta!
Your support means so much and encourages me to keep fighting each day for everyone in Kittery!