Occupation:
Retired physician

Education:
M.D.

Community Organizations:
I have been a board member of Somerset Woods Trustees , our local land trust, for 10 years. I previously served on the local board of the Maine Community Foundation, I helped start and am an ongoing member of ASAP, which is an alternative sentencing program at the Somerset County Jail. I currently volunteer with a horticultural program at the Skowhegan High School.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.):
I spent my childhood outdoors and love being outside, including birdwatching, canoeing, hiking, camping and gardening. I am currently “rewilding” a 27-acre property for Somerset Woods Trustees in Skowhegan and have done local TV programs on growing native perennials and rewilding and have given many lectures in the area on Adverse Childhood Experiences.

Family status:
Married to David Axelman; two grown children

Years in the Legislature: 2 (House)

Committee assignments (if elected):
I served on Health and Human Services Committee when I was in the Legislature in the past. I have the most experience in the health care field, but also interest in environmental issues.

Q&A

1) Define what “success” would look like if you are elected to serve your district.
I was a family doctor in Skowhegan for 40 years and increasing access to health care, creating healthy communities, working on climate change and resiliency issues would be helpful for my community. I delivered about 1,200 babies on my watch and am always concerned about reproductive freedom. I spent many years working on substance abuse issues and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and these are ongoing issues in my community to address. Housing availability and affordability and child care issues for working parents are also major issues in my community.

2) Name one issue the Legislature handled last session. Explain why you agree or disagree with the final outcome.
Medical out-of-pocket costs and medical debt is a major issue for many. The Legislature passed a law which would protect Mainers from unfair fees and legal costs by collection agencies related to medical debt. This is a good legislation, but there are many issues related to the costs of prescription drugs and medical care that continue to be problematic.

OPPONENT: John “Jack” Ducharme III, R-Madison