Bettyann Sheats

Maine House 64

Social media accounts:
Facebook: Bettyann Sheats for Maine House; web: www.bettyannsheatsformaine.com/

Occupation:
State representative, owner of Finishing Touches Shower Doors.

Education:
United States Military Academy at West Point.

Community Organizations:
Chair, Auburn Lewiston Airport Board; American Legion Post 31; Lewiston Auburn Rail Study member.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Gardening, skiing, spending time with family, friends and our dogs.

Family status:
Married 30 years to George Sheats.

Years in the Legislature:                                                                                            Two.

Committee assignments (if elected):
Transportation.

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
Prevent, treat, enforce. Maine‘s co-occurring courts, or drug courts, hit all three, proven less expensive with better outcomes than prison. I sponsored legislation on veteran treatment courts.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
We need to take further steps to get to the root of the problem. Best way: rebuild our public health nursing program.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
Not until the state Department of Education can fully support the schools developing those programs. Current criteria for the diplomas are unrealistic.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
Yes! Military provides it ’cause it makes for better soldiers. We need to provide health care to ensure a productive workforce. Too many are on disability for lack of sufficient care or affordable meds.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
I support improving care and services for our elderly. Aging in place is much less expensive than long-term care. I do not support the referendum as written because of the way it is funded.

6) Are you frustrated by the political sniping, exaggeration and even lies between the parties and their supporters that have threatened progress usually reached through respect and reasoned compromise? If so, what will you personally do to make the situation better?                                                                                           I will not engage in any negative talk or campaigning. Mainers want to talk about the issues and what I or another can do for them and for Maine. That’s what I want to talk about. Media should too.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
I was a pilot and a skydiver. I took up skydiving to overcome my fear of heights. Jumping encouraged a love for flying. After seven years as an Army pilot and 498 jumps, I am still afraid of heights.

Speed Round

Should voters be required to show ID at the polls?                                                No.