Nelson M. J. Peters Jr.

Maine Senate 21

Social media accounts:                                                   N/A

Occupation:
Retired police chief deputy.

Education:
University of Maine.

Community Organizations:
Kora Temple.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Woodworking and automotive restoration.

Family status:
Married to Francine Peters; two adult sons: Thomas and Nelson; four grandchildren.

Years in the Legislature:                                                                                     None.

Committee assignments (if elected):
Criminal Justice and Public Safety.

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
Reduce opiate medicine prescriptions, as most addictions begin this way. Increase punishments to those who illegally sell opiates. Educate children to prevent them from becoming involved with drugs.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
The child’s best interest must be the guiding principal for reunification with parents. We must provide healthy, safe and nurturing homes for those children who cannot be returned to birth parents.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
Learning to drive a vehicle is a good example of proficiency-based education. You must demonstrate your ability to drive to receive a license. I support using this concept in other areas of learning.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
Anyone in need of basic health care should have access to medical services, regardless of their status in life, while we continue to lower the cost of health care and make it more accessible.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
No. Former Maine Supreme Court Chief Justice Wathen said it’s deeply unconstitutional in many respects. The Chamber of Commerce says it “over-promises and under-delivers.” This legislation is ill-conceived.

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’m doing it! I could be home retired, but I’m running for office. If citizens elect me I’ll have their backs like I did as a police officer. I’m giving Lewiston the opportunity to change things. Vote.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
I was born and raised in Maine, but I don’t eat lobster. A Maine blueberry pie, a local ear of corn and a good steak are more my taste.

Speed Round

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