Robert F. Faunce

Maine House 73

Social media accounts:
https://www.facebook.com/BobFaunceMaineHouse

Occupation:
Planning consultant.

Education:
Master of Science degree, UMaine.

Community Organizations:
Androscoggin Land Trust, past president.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
Camping, fishing, reading, car restoration.

Family status:
Married, two children, five grandchildren.

Years in the Legislature:                                                                                      None.

Committee assignments (if elected):
Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Environment and Natural Resources, Transportation, Criminal Justice and Public Safety, State and Local Government.

Q&A

1) What legislation do you support, if any, to address the state’s opiate crisis?
Expand drug court, non-jail alternatives for nonviolent offenders. Mandate effective treatment in state prison system similar to county jails. Expand residential treatment for nonoffenders.

2) What legislation do you support, if any, to address failures in the state’s child abuse prevention system?
Expand personnel and resources for protection of abused minors. Increase inspection schedule and intensity review for temporary residences for abused children.

3) Should schools continue to push forward with proficiency-based diplomas? Why or why not?
Yes. How does the option of reverting to A-F grading benefit students and our future workforce? What is more important: a subjective letter grade or demonstrated understanding of a critical subject?

4) Are you in favor of some type of universal health care for Maine residents? Why, or why not?
It is hard enough to raise a family today, let alone worry about unaffordable health care. Let’s remove one more worry from these Mainers and ensure access for all to quality and affordable health care.

5) Do you support Question 1 (the 3.8 percent tax to fund the home care program)? Why, or why not?
While the referendum question may not be perfect, it would represent a quantum leap in keeping senior citizens and those with disabilities in our communities and neighborhood. I will note yes.

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 want to engage other legislators, regardless of party, who represent areas with similar challenges to mine in a constructive and friendly way. Compromise is just what the doctor ordered.

7) Tell voters something about yourself that they don’t already know, and might surprise them.
My mother will turn 96 this January, lives in an assisted residence and still calls me Bobby. She urges everyone in District 73 to vote for Bobby! That is my favorite endorsement.

Speed Round

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