Darin McGaw

Social Services It is past time for a statewide comprehensive conversation about how we are aging. Planning for the next decade of the needs of older people, aging in place, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure will not only help us better serve our aging population, but make Maine a better place to live for all of us. Environment / Energy States can fight against roll backs in environmental protections at the federal EPA by making sure our state protections remain robust. Better planning to address the impacts of climate change on our infrastructure and environment will become even more important. As we attempt to deal with invasive species, increased pollution from runoff, and public health issues like tick-bourne diseases, Maine will need strong advocates in the Legislature. Economy Maine can continue current public-private partnerships that are fostering communication between business and the University, Community College and technical training organizations to educate Maine’s workforce - not only for jobs available now, but for the jobs of the future. Drug Policy If we are going to be more successful at tackling the opiate epidemic, we are going to have to provide better healthcare, education and social supports for those struggling with substance use disorder. By training more healthcare professionals in treatment best practices and making sure those who need it get the most effective treatment, we can begin to tackle this problem. Substance use disorder is a medical problem and not a moral failing, and we should treat it as such.