I want my children to grow up with the same rights and freedoms that I have taken for granted for most of my life. I want to make sure they too have the opportunity to live, work, and raise their own families right here in Maine.
Maine is a special place. That holds true whether you chose our state, or were born and raised here, like me. We all have a part to play in ensuring that it is the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I want my five children to be able to enjoy the same freedom and opportunities that I did growing up. For most of my adult life, my involvement with politics was limited to performing my civic duty by voting. As a wife, mother, small business owner, the thought of running for office never occurred to me.
All that changed in 2020. For the first time in my life, I felt that Maine’s political system was moving away from respectful discourse, where everyone’s voice is heard, toward the divisive rhetoric of Washington politics. For me, the ideas of regular people matter, not just those pushing agendas from beyond Maine’s borders. Freedom of thought, freedom of speech, and equal opportunity for all are not just words for me. This nation, and state, were created to ensure liberty and justice for all.
Like many others, I decided to become involved, as a candidate for Maine State Representative. Against the odds, I defeated a two-term incumbent. I am honored to have been able to serve my district these past two years, but I understand that the hard work for a better Maine has only just begun.
We need to ensure that the Maine traditions of frugality, hard work, self-reliance, respect, and concern for others, especially those less fortunate, will be passed on to our children and grandchildren. This cannot occur if government is allowed to become so big that our daily lives get smaller.
This does not mean that one party or the other needs to be completely shut out of the process of problem solving. Working together, across the aisle, to achieve our goals is vital to the wellbeing of our state. That is why I worked harder than many of my colleagues to recruit Democrat co-sponsors for the legislation I introduced. We must rally together to ensure that our voices are heard in Augusta. They are not currently!
As a mother, small business owner, registered nurse, and State Representative, I know that Maine has many sides, and that our simple way of life doesn’t make us simple. During my time in Augusta I have tried to use the diversity of my experiences, and those of my constituents, to produce meaningful change that will benefit our varied communities.
Outside of politics, I seek out activities and interests that provide balance and tranquility for me and my family. I am an avid (amateur!) gardener, and someone who loves the outdoors. I can appreciate that Maine’s natural beauty is one of our state’s greatest qualities. Whether going for a nature walk at Grampy’s house in Minot, picking wild blueberries for pie, or just watching the ducks at Pettingill Park, our family knows that the greater Auburn and Minot area has some of the nicest scenery this side of the Androscoggin.
Please join me in my efforts. Together, we can make Maine an even better place!