I am currently serving my first term in the Maine Legislature as the State Representative for District 49.* During my first term in the Maine Legislature I have worked hard to address the challenges we face as a community and state. It is very important to me that I represent you effectively in Augusta and serve you here at home.

I love Brunswick, and have lived here for over thirty-five years, twenty-eight of which with my husband Loren. Our family includes three adult children, a cat, and a rescue dog. My years of caring deeply about our community and local government include serving on school committees, two past terms on the Brunswick Town Council, and current membership on the Brunswick Recycling and Sustainability Committee.

I am a lifelong Maine resident who grew up not far from Brunswick in Auburn, ME. I have a diverse work resume including being an Outward Bounds Instructor, licensed (Maine) Substance Abuse Counselor, owner-operator of Greenfields recycling consulting service, and founder-director of Sharecenter a recycling & material reuse program for educators. Most recently I served for over 12 years as a patient and affordable healthcare advocate.

I am happy to share my 100% voting record with you as this means I was present and voted for all 621 roll call votes taken during my first term. Two are bills I sponsored LD 653 Act To Provide Maine Residents Losing Employer-based Health Coverage with Information about Other Coverage (picture below is of Governor Mills signing the bill), and LD 654 An Act To Create a 24-hour Shelter Capital Project Funding Program. To see all the bills and how I voted on them please copy & paste "130th Legislature Roll Call - Maine House of Representatives" online.

To learn more about my work as a State Representative please give me a call or text me at 207-522-1997. I would love to have a conversation with you.

* District 49 becomes 101 in the General Election on November 8th due to statewide redistricting. See the map of District 101 in the "Contact Poppy" section below.

Why am I running for this seat?

My commitment to serving our Brunswick community and advocacy for affordable healthcare were the drivers behind my run for a first term. In running for a second term, I am committed to working on other critical issues as well including the housing crisis, inflation, public safety on our roadways, property tax relief, clean energy, and protecting our environment along with education and job training programs that meet the needs of a diverse student body and workforce.

What are the biggest challenges or concerns facing my district (101) in the coming term?

The lack of housing is a primary challenge and barrier to filling the jobs that remain open in our schools, businesses, healthcare, and service industry sectors. I believe a community is strongest when its most vulnerable members are valued and see adequate, safe housing for our neighbors with disabilities or experiencing homelessness as a must-provide challenge. I am also very concerned about the impact of inflation and the rising cost of everyday essentials including food, transportation, heat, and utilities. I will continue working to connect people with the State and local resources needed to address these challenges.

What are my top priorities if elected?

Developing the housing needed to offer affordable homes to all who work and live in Brunswick is a top priority. My work to achieve affordable healthcare will include a publicly administered health plan for Maine people. Other priorities are establishing internship and apprenticeship programs to grow our workforce and local economy along with access to childcare for working families. As a legislator, it is very important that I continue to learn what is important to the people I represent. Please keep writing, calling, and talking with me. Thank you.