Youth Voter Guide

Food Access: The Trump Administration's attacks on SNAP are hurting Maine families and farmers. I will protect free school meals, expand farm-to-school programs, and invest in rural communities so families can access affordable, healthy, locally grown food.

Community: Young people deserve a voice in shaping their communities. As governor, I will work directly with rural youth to partner in efforts to invest in community spaces, broadband, housing, and services that create opportunity and help youth thrive.

Housing: Every Mainer deserves a safe, affordable place to live. I helped build Maine's largest affordable housing pipeline, and as governor I will invest $100 million annually in housing production, helping rural families and young people build their futures in Maine.

Transportation: Reliable transportation is essential to opportunity. As governor, I will strengthen rural transit, invest in safer pedestrian and bike infrastructure, and support innovative local transportation options so rural Mainers can reach school, jobs, healthcare, and community services.

Wabanaki Rights: I strongly support the right to Wabanaki self-determination. I have committed to partnering with the Tribes to advance tribal sovereignty in my first 100 days in office. Then we can work together, government-to-government, to tackle challenges and create opportunity.

Food Access: Maine farms should feed Maine families. I will invest in the processing, cold storage, and distribution that connect local farms to schools, stores, and food banks, and back the next generation of farmers with land access and low-interest loans.

Community: I will show up, listen, and work in partnership with young people. I'll invest in the schools, trails, parks, and broadband that rural communities need, and appoint young Mainers to the boards and commissions shaping their future.

Housing: Housing is my top priority. I'll work to reduce down payments for first-time homebuyers, offer a direct mortgage support option, expand supply by reviving Maine's factory-built housing industry, and invest in home repair to keep people warm, safe, and dry.

Transportation: I will fix existing roads first, make streets safe for everyone, and give rural Mainers affordable, safe, healthy ways to get around: more frequent public transit options, and expanding broadband and cell coverage that connects where roads can't.

Wabanaki Rights: Absolutely. I will work with the Wabanaki Nations to restore the same rights every other federally recognized tribe holds, in a genuine partnership built on trust and respect.

Food Access: Food insecurity is a major issue across Maine. I will work to secure Federal resources for local farmers and other food producers to help close this gap in our communities. Maine's agricultural resources are entirely up to feeding everyone if *

Community: We have to meet people where they are--that means being accessible; not only with newsletters and office hours, but being present in communities to answer questions and address issues as they emerge. A lot of folks think that's pretty hard *

Housing: One way to help make housing more affordable is to make revenues available more readily to affordable housing developers, as well as working on raising wages and reducing costs such as health care, child care and transportation costs. Healthcare cost and access are issues I hear about every day--if we *

Transportation: An ideal model would be to develop light regional rail and bringing Amtrak to rural Maine to lessen the dependency on motor vehicle travel, which for young people getting started can be very expensive. Also municipal bus access and local *

Wabanaki Rights: Absolutely. I was a member of the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission and chaired the Episcopal Diocesan Council on Indigenous Relations for nearly five years. The Penobscots are my neighbors. They fully deserve this most basic right. *

Food Access: I would work with supermarkets and restaurants to donate their good and healthy food.

Community: Better transportation is a must.

Housing: It is important to build more affordable homes. One of the things that can be used is small houses.

Transportation: Better transportation is needed. I would work to get the Federal and State funds that would cover it. I would also contact businesses for donations to help fund it

Wabanaki Rights: Yes. They are a sovereign nation that should govern themselves.

Food Access: Rural food insecurity here is an access problem, not just an income problem. I'll fight federal SNAP and school meal cuts, expand mobile food pantries and farmers' market matching programs, and pair food access with transportation so no town gets *

Community: I'll work with schools, libraries, and rec departments to keep community spaces open and funded, back youth programs in our towns, and ask young Mainers directly what they need -- then build policy around their answers.

Housing: I'll push rural property tax relief, support manufactured housing infrastructure financing, and back state investment in affordable rentals near jobs and schools -- so families aren't priced out of the towns their kids grew up in.

Transportation: I'll advocate for rural transit routes and volunteer driver programs, push for school-to-work shuttle options, and support regional van pools linking small towns to jobs, colleges, and health services -- so a ride shouldn't decide a young person's future.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes. I support restoring the Wabanaki Nations' full sovereignty rights -- including self-governance, natural resource management, and economic development authority equal to other federally recognized tribes -- and will back legislation like LD 2007 to correct decades of unequal treatment under the *

Food Access: I was proud to sponsor the bill to continue Maine's universal school lunch program. We'll have a lot more to do next year to confront the continuing federal cuts.

Community: I've worked closely with youth and student groups in my rural district to pass legislation that empowers them, including allowing elected students on the UMS board of trustees. I'll continue to do so.

Housing: The real-estate transfer tax on properties over 1mil was a good step, but we need to do more to invest in new housing. I'll also be resubmitting my bill stopping landlords from colluding in raising rents using AI.

Transportation: I passed a bill allowing better coordination of transportation and the creation of regional transportation hubs. There's a lot more to push for, including a train to Orono.

Wabanaki Rights: Absolutely. I'm proud to represent so many members of the Penobscot Nation and to have worked with them closely on issues of sovereignty and environmental stewardship.

Food Access: I will continue support this issue with my votes and advocacy at the state level. For example, I have strongly supported programs like Harvest Bucks.

Community: I can support this issue through votes and advocacy. I'm happy to hear about possible solutions.

Housing: I intend to continue to vote to protect existing affordable housing, and incentivize new builds, and programs that keep people in their homes.

Transportation: Transportation is a challenging issue in our rural areas. I'm open to ideas.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes.

Food Access: My most critical action is to support Maine's environment and acknowledge climate change as reality. To ensure access to healthy food, we cannot lose our land.

Community: I want to take every opportunity to meet young people, listen to their concerns and respond to every opportunity. I am a strong collaborator with good listening skills.

Housing: It's vitally important for me to learn what is impacting the housing instability, listen to the people impacted and develop contacts and resources to help.

Transportation: It's absolutely necessary for me to listen to the specific needs and develop resources within the transportation industry to meet those needs, as well as utilizing possible mutual support such as organized ride sharing. Looking to other states for their *

Wabanaki Rights: Yes, I believe it's vital for the Wabanaki to finally have the rights they've waited for. They need control over their lives and their environment.

Food Access: I will protect SNAP and universal school meals, expand Maine Harvest Bucks and Farm Fresh Rewards, invest in food hubs and farm-to-school programs, and support Good Shepherd Food Bank's rural partners; helping families afford healthy food while strengthening Maine farms.

Community: I will meet young people where they are - in schools, libraries, community centers, and online - and include them in funding decisions. I'll support broadband, transportation, libraries, and welcoming shared spaces shaped by each community's needs.

Housing: I will increase housing supply across price points by supporting rehabilitation, workforce housing, infrastructure, and locally appropriate zoning and permitting reforms. I'll also protect existing affordable housing and strengthen rental assistance and homelessness prevention so families can remain stable.

Transportation: I will invest in regional transit, flexible on-demand transportation, and volunteer driver programs; coordinate routes with schools, employers, and service providers; and ensure funding reflects rural distances - connecting young people to opportunity without requiring car ownership.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes. I support restoring the Wabanaki Nations' inherent right to self-governance and the same federal rights and protections enjoyed by other federally recognized tribes. Maine should act in partnership with Tribal Nations and honor their sovereignty.

Food Access: I will continue to fund free school meals for every schoolchild and also the sunbucks program. I will encourage local farm stands and markets to accept SNAP.

Community: I would consider requiring MOCA to survey rural youth regarding the need for community resources and shared places and direct community development funds based on survey outcomes.

Housing: I will support directing funds for affordable housing development to rural communities.

Transportation: Maine needs to develop more bus routes connecting rural areas to the closest economic hubs. We have to get the Federal Government back on track to support rural transportation.

Wabanaki Rights: I will and I have.

Food Access: Work to ensure that students get free meals at schools and daycares that align with school pre-k. Continue to prioritize food purchases from local farms/producers.

Community: I'm working on my website to add resources like that to it. But will also use FB to announce resources. I'd be happy to work with people to expand these resources.

Housing: Continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate and House to create more opportunities to help create more workforce housing. Further protect people in low income housing and those at risk of eviction.

Transportation: I have and will continue to work with MEDOT to expand transportation systems in rural areas. Unfortunately, we can no longer count on the federal govt to help us with this.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes.

Food Access: I would continue to provide existing food and health care programs to rural youth and families.

Community: I would work with senators from rural areas to continue programs and policies that promote access to community resources and shared places.

Housing: I would work hard to reduce unnecessary municipal and State code regulations, permitting, and impact fees. I would encourage development in areas of high demand, in all areas of the state, to reduce pushing people to rural areas for lower *

Transportation: I would continue to support existing transportation to connect rural youth to education, employment, and community services.

Wabanaki Rights: I do not have enough information to answer this. I would educate myself on this topic though future research.

Food Access: I'll protect and expand access to food assistance, support local food systems, and build on my work expanding access to free summer meals so every rural family can afford healthy food.

Community: I'll work directly with young people and local communities to strengthen libraries, schools, recreation spaces, and other community resources, ensuring rural youth have places to gather, learn, connect, and build community.

Housing: I'll support policies that increase affordable housing, prevent homelessness, and help families remain safely housed. We need solutions that recognize local needs while addressing Maine's statewide housing crisis.

Transportation: I'll work with communities to expand reliable, affordable transportation options, connecting rural youth with schools, jobs, healthcare, and community resources while recognizing that transportation needs differ across Maine.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes. I'll continue working to strengthen tribal sovereignty and self-determination for the Wabanaki Nations, address historic inequities, support economic opportunity, and respect tribal governance.

Food Access: Cut taxes and waste for real relief. Support local farms, fisheries, and small businesses with less red tape. Promote community markets and youth programs in food production. Prioritize affordability so rural families thrive.

Community: I'll partner directly with rural youth through town halls, school programs, and local groups to expand access to community centers, libraries, parks, and recreation. Prioritize local control, infrastructure funding, and public-private partnerships that keep shared spaces vibrant and affordable.

Housing: Deliver property tax relief by cutting waste. Reduce regulations to responsibly expand affordable housing supply while protecting neighborhoods. Support local control and incentives for workforce housing. As a real estate attorney, I'll ensure practical solutions keep rural families and youth *

Transportation: Prioritize rural infrastructure funding for reliable roads, public transit, and broadband. Partner with local schools and businesses for expanded vocational routes and ride-sharing. Cut waste to deliver efficient, cost-effective solutions connecting youth to education, jobs, and services.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes. I support Wabanaki self-determination and tribal sovereignty consistent with federal/state law and mutual respect. I'll collaborate with Wabanaki leaders on issues like economic opportunity, resource management, and services benefiting both tribal and rural communities

Food Access: I will continue to support free school meals, support State efforts to offset Federal SNAP cuts and will reintroduce LD 1894 - a bill I sponsored to study grocery deserts and fight grocery price inflation.

Community: In my community I am working with the Prevention Collaborative of the Kennebunks to build a new teen center to replace one that was eliminated. I will work to support bills that prevent age-based discrimination in access to third spaces.

Housing: I supported LD 384 which provides emergency financial assistance for the family of a student up to $750 per student and will support expansion of this program. I also support investments in developing more affordable housing in the state.

Transportation: Locally, I am supporting the work of the Kennebunk & Kennebunkport Active Transportation Plan to improve bike and pedestrian access across our two towns. I support legislation to make transportation resources available and affordable to all who need it.

Wabanaki Rights: I have consistently voted in support of tribal sovereignty in my two terms in the House and will continue to do so if elected to the Senate.

Food Access: I will work to promote policies that include access to locally grown foods and supplements to ensure young people are able to make healthy choices. Food insecurity is unfortunately a significant issue in Washington County.

Community: Having volunteered for a youth organization for almost 20 years. An organization that encourages young leaders, community involvement and volunteering has given me awareness of how to support our youth to be successful in all these areas.

Housing: Stopping corporate housing buyouts. This would increase the availability of affordable housing. Legislation that includes having large scale developments to be required to include a percentage of affordable houses to be built as well in the project.

Transportation: Increase funding for public transportation in rural areas to increase access for employment, medical, and community services. Regularly scheduled and dependable in rural areas. This could be buses or we could research restarting railway transportation for the entire state.

Wabanaki Rights: I will most certainly support the right to Wabanaki self-determination. I fully support Tribal Sovereignty for all of the Wabanaki Nation in Maine and all indigenous peoples in the entire country.

Food Access: Work collaboratively to find ways to enhance food support at the local level, such as food pantries, farmer's markets, and community action programs, and work toward funding programs like SNAP when federal support falls short.

Community: With 12+ years on my local school board, I would work with district leadership to find ways to engage with the student body or leadership to become informed about their priorities for community resources.

Housing: I'm interested in finding ways the state can work with municipalities to transform tax-acquired properties and other land that may be suitable and available into affordable housing.

Transportation: I would look at ensuring that transportation funding through the EPS formula is adequate for school districts to maintain proper bus/van fleets. I would also look at supports for community action programs that provide transportation services.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes.

Food Access: I will always vote to adequately fund SNAP and free school lunches.

Community: I would like to work with you to bring young people to the State House to see the legislature in action and to advocate for bills of interest.

Housing: I will vote to allocate more funding for the Maine State Housing Authority.

Transportation: I will review the MDOT budget to assure that adequate funds are allocated for alternative transportation projects.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes!

Food Access: I support year round free school breakfast and lunch and a filling healthy snack to bring home. I will work to promote using locally sourced food for school meals.

Community: Maine schools are the center of community life. I will work with organizations that promote healthy activities for youth and assist schools so their facilities can provide a space for those activities.

Housing: Family incomes have not kept pace with the cost of living and housing is the biggest expense we all face. I support a more progressive income tax to provide revenue to subsidize rent.

Transportation: Maine needs to integrate public transportation and school buses. This duplication is a waste of resources.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes. Native Americans in Maine should have the same sovereignty that is a right in the rest of the United States.

Food Access: Work with local farms to possibly set up a group farm stand that would function similarly to a permanent farmers market. We need more local grocers that work with local farms. The large chain stores aren't good for anyone.

Community: Talk with them, see what they need and want. It seems like there is a lack of community in modern society and everyone should feel like the belong to the broader community.

Housing: There needs to be more housing. Zoning and red tape make it difficult for people to develop land. Tied to the devolpment there ought to be a stipulation on a certain percentage of low income housing. Increasing the quantity of *

Transportation: The best solution is honestly a regional light rail system that connects cities/towns and regions to the more rural areas. Many other states have state run rail systems that connect to broader national systems and Maine needs one.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes. There is no reason that they should be treated any different than any other tribe or anyone else for that matter.

Food Access: One of the guiding principles I carry in my heart, & thst I intend to bring with me to the legislature is an ethic of 100% honesty & transparency. With that said, & in just that spirit, I have to confess: I am *

Community: To reach out & meet them where they are. Whether at their schools, at their athletic/extracurricular events/locations, where ever I can to facilitate meetings, conversations, connections -- to hear & absord their perspectives & offer them the chance to cultivate-author legislation *

Housing: We need to increase the supply of housing that working families and young adults can actually afford. That means encouraging the construction of workforce housing, reducing unnecessary barriers that slow responsible development, and supporting the rehabilitation of existing homes and *

Transportation: I would support strengthening regional transit services where there are clear gaps, particularly by improving connections between rural communities and community colleges, career and technical education programs, major employers, and healthcare services. From what I understand, by pursuing with determination *

Wabanaki Rights: 100% -- I enthusiastically support this effort, & Intend to be the Wabanaki nations greatest ally & advocate in the legislature. I believe each of the communities that belong to the Wabanaki nation across Maine -- Penobscot, Passamaquody, Mi'kmaq, & Maliseet deserve representatives in the *

Food Access: Candidate did not respond.

Community: University of Maine Cooperative Extension has many resources and would be open to collaboration. 4-H programs might be reactivated and shared workspace might be in an inclusive church's basement.

Housing: Perhaps a program similar to Habitat for Humanity where empty homes are rehabbed and put back into use. Families and young people contribute labor while learning constructon trades which could lead to high paying jobs.

Transportation: Public transportation should be low cost for young people, and there should be more energy efficient buses available. Safety is of utmost importance so working cameras should be mandatory on public transportation.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes, absolutely. Self determination and sovereignty are inherent rights of Native Americans, and the US government has a duty to protect and support Wabanaki self determination.

Food Access: The rural economy is my main focus as a resident of Piscataquis county, a "distressed county" according to the Northern Border Regional Commission. Access to healthy, local, and affordable food is a right that I will protect.

Community: As an educator, I have participated in our local school as a volunteer and have also helped mount job fairs at local schools. I will reach out to young people in our county to determine their needs and then act *

Housing: As a member of the Greenville Planning Board, I am aware of the housing instability issue. We have encouraged accessible housing in our community and increased housing density. We need also to publicize and facilitate mortgage assistance programs.

Transportation: We are a very large district with communities spread far apart from each other. I would explore a shuttle system to connect rural youth to the services they need.

Wabanaki Rights: I don't know what this means and need more information before responding thoughtfully.

Food Access: I would support programs and legislation that support funding for school lunches and summer meals for youth. Inclusion of produce from local farmers would be a plus. Although not a long term solution, I personally support local food banks.

Community: I am supportive of youth becoming involved in local democracy, but engaging with youth in Piscataquis County can be challenging. Schools are reluctant to work with conceived partisan groups. We experienced this with our local LWVME chapter.

Housing: I am supportive of the current State initiatives to create more affordable housing. I would also address tax fairness in an attempt to reduce property tax burdens.

Transportation: I support public transportation, but options are limited in rural Piscataquis County. I would support continued funding for Penquis Lynx and would be open to other options.

Wabanaki Rights: Definitely, yes!

Food Access: I will always support initiative like Waldo County Bounty and the Unity Food Hub, I would like to see this kind of system expanded. Fresh, local food should be a right and easy to access!

Community: I would hold listening sessions to find out directly from youth what would really help them best. Putting resources in central places they already access seems like the best place to start, like how many schools now offer clothing closets *

Housing: From my time knocking doors I witnessed first-hand how there is such a need for home repair grants and reliable, trustworthy tradespeople to do the work. I would also support organizations who work with unhoused youth.

Transportation: Improving and expanding our rural bus routes and working on ride share systems with vetted individuals. Also making sure everyone who needs Internet access has what they need to succeed.

Wabanaki Rights: Absolutely, no question.

Food Access: I believe in significantly expanding our public schools' meal programs so that we can feed as many rural youth and their families as possible. I also believe in expanding our public schools' gardening programs so that students and families feel *

Community: When elected, I plan to be open and available to all of my constituents to share community and state resources. As a young person myself, I look forward to collaborating with other young people in Belfast, Belmont, Northport, and across *

Housing: I'm an architecture professor at the University of Maine at Augusta and I teach an affordable housing design studio. To make housing more affordable, we need to make better use of existing buildings, allow small apartment units on existing properties, *

Transportation: I believe that implementing a robust public transportation system in rural Maine could be one of the most impactful ways to improve our affordability crisis. Reliable, accessible, safe access to a transportation network would allow many Mainers to be car-free, *

Wabanaki Rights: Yes.

Food Access: I would propose a grant for community gardens and most towns that are taken care of by the locals and federal grants to keep them going. I like to think of my plan as the book SEED Folks. Neighbor helping *

Community: In the mid Coast Maine we have this bus called the dash bus. The dash bust is a low rate of pay community transportation that gets you to appointments the library the BMV or wherever you need to go. I *

Housing: Unfortunately there is a problem with housing affordability. I finally believe we need to consider how we can utilize older buildings like Mills to turn them into subsidized housing.

Transportation: Similar to question two the dash bus would be a good idea for this issue. I wouldn't like to see more of these Dash buses to make it so there's more stops that the bus can do.

Wabanaki Rights: I support the native Americans Wabanaki and others they deserve respect healthcare and access to food and water. They were here first they are native to the land and they should be taken care of.

Food Access: I'll help rural kids grow skills, confidence, and a connection to the land by supporting FFA, 4-H, school gardens, and local farms--while making fresh, affordable Maine food easier for families to find close to home.

Community: I'll meet young people where they are, in schools, FFA, 4-H, fairs, and community events, and make sure their ideas help shape the decisions that affect their future.

Housing: People who live and work here should be able to afford a home here. I'll support practical ways to build more affordable housing, cut unnecessary red tape, and help young families stay in the communities they love.

Transportation: Good question! I think backing regional transit and on-demand transportation so rural youth can get to school, work, training, and healthcare, even if they don't have a car.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes. I support the Wabanaki Nations having more say over their own communities, and I believe the state should work with Tribal leaders as partners, not make decisions for them.

Food Access: I plan on supporting our local farms and family run grocery stores to provide sustainable, and inexpensive food.

Community: I want to help develop rural communities so they have the essential resources they need, and working on programs that go out to those who need aid in those areas.

Housing: I want to have more low income housing built that is for native Mainers

Transportation: Raise the wages of bus drivers, and hire more drivers to be able to have a constant bus service available

Wabanaki Rights: No

Food Access: I will continue to support free school breakfast and lunch, SNAP funding, and will advocate to reintroduce a bill we passed but didn't send to the Governor this past session which would have paired a corporate tax increase with investments *

Community: I plan to introduce a bill to provide ongoing funding for Community Connections - a program that provides 1:1 support (essentially free case management) in small communities. In Bowdoinham, I lead Community Connections and we've been assisting people of all *

Housing: I am hoping to work with a legislative colleague and Maine People's Alliance to advance legislation to create a revolving housing fund. I'm frustrated with the fact that we currently develop housing by simply giving money away to big corporate *

Transportation: As part of the legislation I introduce for Community Connections, it will include a budget for community-based ride sharing, and I'm also going to work with the Maine Primary Care Association to introduce legislation to provide funding for transportation to *

Wabanaki Rights: I have in the past and I will continue to support this in the future.

Food Access: Local food sovereignty plays a key role in promoting direct affordable sales from farmers to families. I support State initiatives such as Community Greenhouse Grant Programs and universal free breakfast and lunch programs for K-12 students.

Community: As a founding member of Hallowell Pride Alliance, I have worked with Maine Youth Thriving, OUT Maine, my local library and other groups to create events and spaces for youth to gather. I'll continue to elevate resources for young people.

Housing: I have spent the last decade working for the State public housing authority to ensure safe and affordable access to housing for thousands of Mainers. I would carry that experience with me to the State House.

Transportation: Maine's required driver's education can be a costly barrier preventing young people from achieving the means to transport themselves to school, work and community services. Grant funding to support driver's education is one strategy to expand accessibility.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes, I recognize that we exist on unceded lands of the Wabanaki. I fully support the sovereignty of native nations. Tribal nations should have the right to self govern and create their own futures.

Food Access: Support Local farmer's markets. Support community garden projects. Support local farmers access to big chain markets such as Hannaford. Work with Maine's Department of Health and Human Services and Dept of Agriculture to fund gaps in SNAP benefits due to *

Community: Collaboration with young people requires meeting everyone at their level, whether in a group setting or one on one. In such meetings, I as an 'elder' since I am 70, can learn first hand the nitty gritty details of the *

Housing: Let's start with rent control in high stressed housing areas. That would only be a temporary solution, until the housing market is improved. I know many ideas have been put forth by guberatorial candidates.. One outside the box idea is *

Transportation: That is a tough one, many American citizens value their ability to move about freely. Public transportation would be ideal, however, citizens would be required to be flexible as public transportation has to be on a schedule. Designing public transportation *

Wabanaki Rights: yes

Food Access: I will support programs that connect Maine families with local farmers, protect school meal access, and strengthen SNAP and nutrition programs. No young person should go hungry because of where they live or what their family earns.

Community: I will work directly with young people, schools, libraries, recreation centers and community organizations to identify what each community needs. Young people should have a seat at the table when we make decisions about resources intended for them.

Housing: I will continue working to expand affordable housing, prevent homelessness, and connect families with services before they reach a crisis. Stable housing is the foundation young people need to succeed in school, work and their communities.

Transportation: I support regional transportation partnerships, flexible rural transit, expanded trails and passenger rail connecting Maine communities and beyond. Young people need reliable transportation to reach school, jobs, internships, health care and services. Where you live should not limit opportunity.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes. I support the Wabanaki Nations' right to self-determination and will continue listening to and working with tribal leaders on legislation affecting their communities. Respect for sovereignty must include meaningful partnership and a voice in decisions that affect their people.

Food Access: I will and have voted to strengthen local food systems, supporting farmers, expanding farm-to-school and community food programs, and improving rural food access through partnerships and infrastructure. Investing in affordable, nutritious food initiatives that help families thrive year-round.

Community: I will support expansion of transportation and technology access, and ensure young people help shape the programs & resources that affect them and that their communities need. I am also a huge fan and supporter of rural schools.

Housing: So far in my tenure, I've focused on expanding affordable homeownership by strengthening protections for manufactured homeowners, improving access to mortgage financing, and reducing barriers to developing manufactured housing--helping rural families achieve stable, long-term housing while preserving existing affordable communities.

Transportation: Reliable transportation is essential to opportunity. I support strengthening regional transit partnerships, improving connections between rural communities and schools, jobs, and healthcare, and removing barriers that prevent young people and families from accessing essential services.

Wabanaki Rights: Yep! Always have, always will.

Food Access: Growing up on a farm I had access to farm raised produce. I see the value. I will support food sovereignty, sustainable practices, local farmers markets

Community: Promoting youth centers and recreation are important for young people to meet and talk about similar experiences. State grants. Making State buildings available. These would be some of the ideas.

Housing: We need to examine first time homebuyer programs, address the inequities of mobile home owners / renters, strengthen tenant rights and streamline house building.

Transportation: Transportation is difficult in our state due to distance but wherever possible we must try to link public transportation hubs and we should reconsider ride sharing organization.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes. I am a strong supporter and have received the endorsement in the past. The tribes are entitled to the rights of other tribes in the United States.

Food Access: I will listen closely to my constituents and do my best to ensure that state government serves their needs. I believe that access to safe, healthy, and affordable food is a human right. I agree that locally-grown food is a *

Community: I am new to politics and so I cannot share specific plans for this. I am eager to engage and interact with young people in our communities and would be eager to help empower and support them. I will rely *

Housing: I agree that housing affordability is among the most urgent and most vexing challenge facing many of our rural communities. I do not have specific solutions to offer, but will eagerly support positive change that focuses on helping those most *

Transportation: I acknowlege the need for better transportation to serve our rural population, and agree that the need is especially acute for youth. I do not have specific solutions to offer, but promise to listen closely to people with good ideas *

Wabanaki Rights: Yes

Food Access: I started a community garden at age 13 because I believe healthy food should be accessible. I'll support Maine farmers, school meals, local food programs, and policies that help families afford groceries through good-paying jobs and lower costs.

Community: I'm part of the generation that will inherit these communities. As a 27-year-old from rural Maine, I'll meet young people where they are, listen to their experiences, and work alongside them to strengthen the places we call home.

Housing: We need more housing people can afford and more housing choices that reflect today's families. I'll support workforce and starter homes, preserve manufactured housing, and reduce barriers to responsible development so more young people can build their future here.

Transportation: I'll support and strengthen regional transportation providers like Western Maine Transportation Services and the GreenLine so rural young people can reliably access education, employment, healthcare, and community resources regardless of where they live.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes. Other states have successfully implemented greater tribal sovereignty, and I believe Maine should too. I'll work collaboratively with Wabanaki leaders to advance a framework that respects tribal self-determination and benefits all Mainers.

Food Access: Voting to maintain funding for programs that assist those currently or at risk of being food insecure. I also want to pursue legislation which enables more Mainers to own and operate small-scale farming operations that supply food to their communities.

Community: Seeking to do periodic town halls with students to hear from them on their wants and needs, as well as to show them how accessible our State Government is. My former legislator Terry Hayes would take us to the State *

Housing: This is an issue I'm facing myself, and especially as I knock on doors, I believe it to be worse than the figures that continue to come out. I am looking to support programs like CEBE's Cooperative Housing Model, and *

Transportation: Some immediate actions I would support are: 1. Expanded education on (and funding for) the RideShare program. I understand they already provide non-medical transport to non-profits and schools, and want to make sure that the information is actually making it *

Wabanaki Rights: I have and I will continue to do so. My latest testimony on the subject, relating to LD 785: https://legislature.maine.gov/testimony/resources/JUD20260219Cormier134163584405303538.pdf

Food Access: As an educator, I know how important food is provided at our local schools, not just lunch, but breakfast and in the Summer months.

Community: Spread messages on social media, through word of mouth and my Community Band.

Housing: Affordable housing projects locally.

Transportation: Encourage students to ride bikes more, put in paths on busy roads for bikes only.

Wabanaki Rights: OF COURSE!

Food Access: Work with Local farmers to help make sure they can afford to keep their farm in the family and in Mainers hands. This will be through tax structuring.

Community: I will make sure that parks are fully funded so that all Mainers can enjoy them into perpetuity.

Housing: I would like to see supply-side investments in housing to lower the entry cost for housing here in Maine. We need multiple price points for entry.

Transportation: I am a big fan of rail and would like to see access to rail heavily expanded in Mane.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes.

Food Access: As someone who grew up in generational poverty, I know food insecurity and hunger firsthand. I will continue supporting Maine farmers, expanding farm-to-school programs, protecting SNAP and school meals, because every child and family deserves healthy, local, affordable food.

Community: Young people must be partners, not just participants, in shaping their communities. I support engaging youth as co-designers while repurposing underused spaces, such as grange halls and former schools, into welcoming places for learning, connection, and opportunity.

Housing: As a member of the Housing and Economic Development Committee, I have sponsored, passed, and supported affordable housing legislation. I will continue building on that work because I believe safe, stable, and affordable housing should be attainable for everyone.

Transportation: Maine's lack of public transit creates significant barriers for rural youth and families. We must continue building a statewide transit system while expanding high-speed internet, telehealth, and digital access to connect people with education, employment, and essential services.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes. I strongly support Wabanaki self-determination and tribal sovereignty. I have consistently supported legislation that advances Wabanaki rights and have earned a 100% voting record from the Wabanaki Alliance.

Food Access: Answering from my perspective on the Environment & Natural Resources Committee: Improve soil and water quality protections against forever chemicals and toxic leachates from landfills; clean up stormwater, which improves our local shellfish harvests.

Community: From my position on the transportation committee: I'm one of the loudest trail advocates in the Legislature and will always fund green spaces and trail connectivity. Also, protecting public libraries, which are becoming essential social infrastructure hubs at a time *

Housing: Continue with zoning reforms and funding programs that add to the housing stock across all varieties of housing types. We need to strengthen programs to prevent eviction and we need to get private equity out of mobile home parks since *

Transportation: We must increase the state funding share of public transit so that local buses can add runs during convenient hours. We NEED to convince the city of Portland to back down on train station relocation, which will unlock major improvements. *

Wabanaki Rights: Yes.

Food Access: Fund free school breakfast and lunch in perpetuity. Support and expand the Local Foods Fund, which reimburses schools $2 for every $1 spent on local foods, but only up to $10k. Advocate to resume SNAP and WIC programs that have *

Community: Make sure I'm active and available on social media. Speak in schools, particularly in social studies classes. Go to places where they congregate and ask them what's up.

Housing: Fund the rent-relief fund and increase the amount. Work on restrictive zoning to free up more space to build housing. Implement public housing efforts that would allow youth and families to rent straight from the state.

Transportation: Fund busing efforts, regardless of "profitability of the route." Work to build light rail in areas of Southern Maine where it makes sense. Fund ride-share and ride-help programs. Make sure broadband connectivity allows for remote work when in-person not possible.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes.

Food Access: Best answer if that this will be an issue front of mind for me if I get the opportunity to serve in Legislature.

Community: I will proactively reach out, have open real and virtual office hours and work with representative organizations of young people.

Housing: We need to match resources that rural youth and families have in order to buy or rent with housing that is safe and approporiate. So providing the financial mechanism as well as the housing option that matches the finances.

Transportation: Need to expand the opportunity for smaller van pool services for rural youth to get to employment centers.

Wabanaki Rights: yes. 110%

Food Access: Fight to continue funding and support for the organizations currently supporting food access for youth and families.

Community: Listening is the first step, being able to have time to hear stories of lived experience and create solutions together is important.

Housing: Housing needs to be affordable and accessible. Developing housing isn't enough, rents need to be affordable. Homes need to be safe. We have to tackle that.

Transportation: Our regional transit systems struggle. This has to change. If we want to meet connectivity and environmental goals we have to reduce single car reliance and invest in public transportation options.

Wabanaki Rights: Every minute of every day. The Wabanaki Nations deserve to have their full sovereignty restores and their self-determination respected.

Food Access: I will continue to support Maine's SNAP program, which was first established nearly 30 years ago to address gaps left by federal food benefit programs. The program also helps support local farmers.

Community: Since my legislative district is in South Portland, I will rely on my legislative colleagues and youth advocates from rural areas to help educate me in how I can be most helpful.

Housing: I will continue to support key stability initiatives through Maine Housing, including the Stability through Engagement Program (STEP) and the Permanent Supportive Housing Program.

Transportation: Low population density rural areas would be best served by micro transit systems that would allow rural youth to call for rides when and where they need them.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes, the Wabanaki people should have the same rights as all the other federally recognized tribes. These rights are long overdue.

Food Access: Consider using state funds to help cover cuts to SNAP, support programs which keep farm and food systems in local hands and increase access to wild caught meat, and fund rural transportation options to improve accessibility of grocery stores.

Community: First, listen to the people living in rural communities to find out what they want and need. Second, increase funding for no/low cost third spaces like skate parks, teen centers, libraries, and help them double as community resource hubs.

Housing: Provide youth experiencing unsafe home environments access to resources and support. Ensure that no one is ever taxed out of their home. Go after landlords over charging or under maintaining. Support fuel assistance, weatherization, energy efficiency upgrades, roof top solar.

Transportation: Expand safe walking and biking options in conjunction with support for existing peer to peer ride networks and bus options so that those without cars or unable to drive are not isolated from community, activities, and services.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes.

Food Access: I'll continue supporting free breakfast and lunch for all public school students so rural youth and families have reliable access to healthy, local, affordable food, and I'll work with community partners to strengthen year-round nutrition programs.

Community: I'll collaborate with rural youth by listening directly to their needs, supporting shared community spaces, and working with local partners to expand access to programs, transportation, and safe places where young people can connect, learn, and belong.

Housing: I'll work to expand affordable housing options, strengthen support services and partner with local organizations to prevent youth homelessness. Addressing housing instability means investing in safe, stable places for rural families to live.

Transportation: I'm interested in discussing public transportation options that connect rural youth to school, jobs and community services, ensuring they can reliably reach the opportunities and support they need.

Wabanaki Rights: I support ongoing conversations to strengthen tribal sovereignty and Wabanaki self-determination, and I support the economic benefits this would bring for the Wabanaki.

Food Access: I believe schools can be a large part of this. There needs to be free lunches provided so kids can simply eat. There should also be programs in place so youth and families can eat what is healthy and not *

Community: Having been a Trip Leader for outdoor companies such as, Longacre Expeditions, American Outdoor Adventures, being a Tour Manager in the Music business, then healthcare for 27 years, I feel the arts and events always brings youth together.

Housing: I will certainly support any legislation that may be already on the table and I feel strong that youth should not be homeless. Teenage homelessness is a thing. Its a wrong thing.

Transportation: I honestly would have to look into this further. I'm not going to make something up just to sound good. That is the truth.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes. The Wabanaki and other tribes need to fully self run and have their own leaders and laws/rules. The same as other do out west and elsewhere.

Food Access: Support SNAP to make up for federal cuts. Bolster access to farmers markets.

Community: Always maintain open lines of communications. Proactively reach out through schools and community groups. Engage on social media.

Housing: We need to build more housing of all types that people can afford. Encourage offsite construction and protect mobile home park residents. Support programs like Housing Problem Solving which prevent homelessness. Pass a housing infrastructure bond.

Transportation: Greater coordination with CAP agencies and improve service. Smarter growth development strategies to make it easier to live close to where you work and get services.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes.

Food Access: Federal tax conformity on HR1 (tips,seniors,OT) Enrollment fairs (1/3rd of benefits are unused) Restrict SNAP items. This creates a market for healthy food.

Community: You need to spend money on things like community centers and activities. The collaboration is asking what those centers and activities are.

Housing: We need a continuum of care model for homeless. Create desity with growth zones.for apartments and silent seconds for homeowners Support Public transit to connect people to jobs. Greater access to high speed internet for remote work and access

Transportation: Busy seems easiest for now, but open.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes

Food Access: I will support local agriculture through farm-to-school programs, strengthen community food pantries, and work to lower grocery costs by reducing energy overhead for local producers and markets, keeping fresh, healthy food accessible for all families.

Community: As a Maine Guide and Sanford Recreation Advisory Board member, I will listen to young voters to protect open access to outdoor spaces, expand local multi-use trail networks, and invest in inclusive community hubs across rural Maine.

Housing: I will advocate for state incentives and reduced red tape to expand missing middle workforce housing. By revitalizing underused spaces and providing property tax relief, we can make homeownership and renting accessible for local youth and families.

Transportation: I will collaborate with state and regional partners to explore expanding workforce transportation programs, micro-transit pilots, and safe trail connections, ensuring rural youth can reliably access jobs, education, and community hubs.

Wabanaki Rights: Yes. Based on my experience working with Indigenous communities in Alaska on resource stewardship, I support Wabanaki self-determination and will partner with Maine's tribal nations to respect their inherent sovereignty and legal rights.

Food Access: Inform & teach consuming a total Vegan plant based diet for good health both physically, emotionally, ,& mentally. Love animals. Dont eat them.

Community: Provide free internet access for only valid helpful sites.

Housing: Make & give grants to repair existing homes, especially foundations & safety measures. Repurpose for housing abandoned areas where factories , businesses mialls & mills, etc once were. No need to kill more trees.

Transportation: Clean, safe mini vans free of charge . And/ or a system of free travel links choffered & available by reservation . Others can join in on same van / auto.

Wabanaki Rights: Of course. It's a start to native American unity, power and progress.