Colleen O'Neal for Maine

In my opinion, that is an egregiously erroneous assumption.  I readily admit I think about taxpayers' money and ask that before you judge, please read why.

There are many critical unmet needs in Bangor and statewide.  Far too many of our hard-working residents and retirees live in survival mode.  The overall quality of life is suffering.  Having a city where people want to live, work, raise their families, and retire begins with eliminating unrealistic burdens created in Augusta.  

These burdens come in many forms and need to be evaluated and adjusted to guarantee they are equitable for everyone ~ beginning with taxes.  For example, Maine's vehicle excise tax is one of the highest in the country.  The current formula for determining registration fees was enacted in 1925, making it antiquated, ridiculously costly, and often ignored by those struggling.

I am also worried for those who unquestionably need social services.  Yet, at the rate we are doling out money without restrictions, expectations, long-term solution-based planning, or strict oversight, too many are receiving tax dollars.  The current system comes at the expense of, and detriment to, both taxpayers and those needing assistance.  In the not-too-distant future, funding for social services will be diluted to the point where expenditures will barely make a dent in needs or become nonexistent.

Can there be a balance?  Absolutely!!

I have many thoughts about healthcare, but my answer will be brief and concise.

Our healthcare system, including mental and behavioral health, is broken in Bangor and statewide!

To transform this, we must address the reasons why ~ availability, quality, and consistency.  We must work to incentivize healthcare providers to want to practice here and stay.  The focus has been on ensuring that all Mainers can financially access health care.  But without providers, that is of little benefit. 

Further, we must work collaboratively to have a Level 1 Trauma Center in Bangor.  Not only for geographic reasons but also for the scope of care this designation mandates.

The Education system in Maine is overdue for a central review and overhaul! The following are only a few of my reasons for making this statement.

Every child is guaranteed an education; however, the realities of the quality and scope of that education vary widely throughout the state and even between schools in Bangor. 

1. To me, Excellence in Education is currently a feel-good phrase needing a definition that clearly states expected outcomes and a path to achieve them for all Maine youth.
2. State of Maine's Education Title 20-A describes a school board's duties.  In part, it states, "They shall adopt policies that govern the school administrative units." The problem is that some boards consider themselves the end-all and be-all when it comes to adopting policies without regard to parental concerns.  Frequently, even after hearing overwhelming opposing testimony, they are passing policies such as gender-neutral bathrooms, age-inappropriate books in the library, and that punish girls in sports by allowing trans athletes on their teams.  Legislators must address the roles of school boards as they relate to parental rights and equity for each student while being forward-thinking.
3. Educators are leaving the profession in droves, and the number of those choosing teaching as their career has dropped significantly.  Wages are one reason, but there are many more. We need an expedited study to determine why and work collaboratively to find solutions. If we do not do this soon, we will significantly harm today's and tomorrow's students! 

Law-abiding citizens should not lose the right to own any gun they wish nor live in fear that they or a loved one will become a victim of crime due to a failure of the government!

Every time there's a mass shooting or other violent crime anywhere in the U.S., there is a knee-jerk reaction to take away our Second Amendment rights to gun ownership.  Doing this will not make us safer!  Sadly, those who want weapons will always get them, and there will always be gun-related horrendous crimes – but we must and can do more to decrease them.  

Here are the basics where I think we start:

1. Enforcing current laws
2. Enacting decisive and enforceable new laws
3. Supporting and expanding law enforcement
4. Working with the Judiciary Branch for solutions to the backlog in cases that can lead to criminals being on the streets
5. Toughening consequences and incarceration times for criminals
6. Closing critical gaps in Maine's legal system to keep guns out of the hands of those who are mentally ill or unstable.