Denise M. Hurilla

Maine House 58

Social media accounts:
Facebook

Occupation:
Manager/co-owner Ray Hurilla Plumbing & Heating Co.

Education:
Some college.

Community Organizations:
Former treasurer, Lewiston High School Music Association; former Girl Scout leader, Daisy through Cadette; former softball coach, South Lewiston Little League.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Quilting, painting, gardening and camping.

Family status:
Married with three adult children and three grandchildren.

Years in the Legislature: None.

Committee assignments (if elected):
Insurance and Finance.

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
There is no single solution. I would support legislation that creates a comprehensive approach that includes education, enforcement and treatment, ensuring all resources are used effectively.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
Maine children’s safety deserve our undivided attention. We must ensure we can recruit well-qualified caseworkers, providing them with proper training and resources to effectively do their job.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
I support local control. Regardless of the program in place, the goal is to provide quality education and ensure that our students have equal opportunity to progress in their learning.

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
I believe in a market-based approach that lowers health care costs and provides easy access to quality, affordable health care for all Mainers.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8% tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
I do not support Question 1. The last thing Mainers need is a tax increase on Maine families and small businesses, which is exactly what Question 1 would result in.

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? One of my strongest assets is my ability to work with others. Although we may not always agree on every issue, we can respectfully disagree and work together to find a solution.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
I served as a member of the Lewiston High School Band Boosters with my opponent’s family.