Eryn Gilchrist

Maine House 57

Social media accounts:                                                   N/A

Occupation:
Manufacturing.

Education:
BA.

Community Organizations:
None listed.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
None listed.

Family status:
Married.

Years in the Legislature: None

Committee assignments (if elected):
None listed.

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
I support harm reduction and treatment options for those affected, prevention and education resources for at-risk populations, and an aggressive approach toward drying up the supply chain.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
Access to drug and alcohol treatment, stable housing, and mental health care all help to make families stronger and more resilient. Any evidence-based prevention method has value.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
I support the initiative to increase local control of this issue. The individual school districts are able to determine if a proficiency-based or traditional system will better serve their students.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
Emphatically yes. The high cost of health care is a burden for families and Maine businesses alike.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
Undecided. I think the tax should have been referred to a committee for a public hearing to allow for a thorough bipartisan vetting process.

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?                                                                                      Yes, hyper-partisanship is a detriment to our democracy. On an individual level, I can channel Susan Collins, aim for the middle, and make peace with disappointing people from both parties.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
No answer.

Speed Round

Should voters be required to show ID at the polls?                                                Yes.