Social media accounts: stefaniemahrdamien.com; facebook.com/stefanieforauburn

Occupation: Interior Designer

Education: Attended The Ohio State University & Northeastern

Community Organizations: LA Metro Chamber of Commerce, Woman’s Literary Union, Apple Valley Women’s Golf League, Auburn Business Networking International Wealth Builders, and International Student Exchange Program.

Personal information (hobbies, etc.): I enjoy golfing, sewing, upholstery, gardening, flower arranging and cooking.

Family status: Married to Steve Damien

Years in the Legislature: None

Committee assignments (if elected):
I would like to serve on the Labor & Housing Joint Standing Committee.

Q&A

1) Define what “success” would look like if you are elected to serve your district.

First, I would measure success by how well I helped people in my House District with individual issues and problems relating to state government. Secondly, by how much was accomplished in the transition to an age friendly State for seniors by increasing access to public transportation options, increasing the number of home healthcare workers through improved pay and benefits, supporting communities that implement age friendly policies and services, and addressing affordability issues for Mainers on fixed incomes.

2) Name one issue the Legislature handled last session. Explain why you agree or disagree with the final outcome.

In the last legislative session, the Legislature terminated the property tax stabilization program for senior citizens after the first year of the program. Although the program may have been well intended it was poorly thought through and written. Among its flaws was that the greatest property tax relief went to the wealthiest seniors, not those who struggle the most with property tax burdens. Additionally, a more careful financial analysis showed the program was not fiscally sustainable.

The result was confusion and anger by seniors, especially seniors with low fixed incomes, when they saw large property tax increases, partly because of this poorly written legislation. Their anger was directed at municipalities who send out the tax bills but were not responsible for this poorly conceived program.

Although the Legislature did increase benefits for seniors in an existing tax reimbursement program it was poorly advertised and a state income tax form had to be filed to receive a reimbursement.

The property tax burden for low income seniors is real and will continue. The Legislature must reexamine the property tax burden on seniors and low income individuals in the coming legislative session and find ways to further reduce their property tax burden.

OPPONENT: Quentin Chapman, R-Auburn