dKay in Maine dKay in Maine

Why Maine Can’t Replace Property Taxes with Sales and Tourist Taxes—and What We Could Do Instead

Reading time: 14 min 23 sec

Maine can’t swap out property taxes for sales and tourist taxes without shifting the burden onto year-round residents and renters. Using current visitor spending, local tax rules, and recent legislative votes, this piece shows why the math doesn’t work, who really wins (non-resident and high-value owners), who loses (lower-income households and renters), and what realistic fixes look like—bigger homestead relief, a stronger circuit breaker, targeted second-home and luxury taxes, and smarter state budgeting focused on essentials.

Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash

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What Maine’s 2025 Referendum Question 1 Could Mean for Voting

Reading time: 7 min 10 sec

This November, Maine voters will decide on Referendum Question 1, a citizen-initiated bill that would require photo ID at the polls and change several absentee voting rules. Supporters say it will strengthen trust and bring Maine in line with other states and democracies abroad. Opponents argue it risks creating new barriers in a system that already delivers some of the highest voter turnout in the nation. Here’s what the proposal actually says, what would change, what wouldn’t, and why it matters in Maine.

Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash

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dKay in Maine dKay in Maine

Building a Voter Education Tool in Maine - and Looking for Guidance

Reading time: 1 min 47 sec

Over the last few months, I’ve been building a nonpartisan voter tool for Maine’s 2026 election—something I believe could truly help voters make informed choices. In this post, I share the roadblock that’s keeping it from launching, and how your insight or experience could help move it forward.

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How to Overcome the Fear of Reaching Out to Your Representatives: A Simple Guide for Effective Political Engagement

Reading time: 5 min 41 sec

Reaching out to your elected representatives can feel intimidating, especially if you're unsure where to start or worry about being ignored. In this guide, I share practical tips to help you confidently engage in the democratic process, from crafting effective messages to handling different responses.

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

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dKay in Maine dKay in Maine

How to Navigate Maine’s Legislative Process: A Guide to Getting the Help You Need

Reading time: 6 min 25 sec

While getting involved in your state's legislative process, you might feel stuck and unable to make an informed decision on a bill. In this post, I break down the steps you can take to get the clarification you need, from reaching out to local representatives and advocacy groups to leveraging online tools and attending public hearings.

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

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dKay in Maine dKay in Maine

How to Overcome the Intimidation of Maine’s Legislative Process: A Guide

Reading time: 5 min 6 sec

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of state politics? In this post, I share my personal journey navigating Maine's legislative process through LD 92, focusing on solar energy waste management. Learn how to overcome the intimidation of legal jargon, stay organized, and make your voice heard in the legislative process.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

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dKay in Maine dKay in Maine

Preserving Maine’s Coastline: Why a Moratorium on Offshore Windmills Matters

Reading time: 6 min 15 sec

This post explores the potential risks and costs of offshore wind energy development along Maine's coastline, emphasizing the impacts on the state's tourism, fishing industries, and environment. It argues for a moratorium on offshore wind projects to allow time for evaluating more sustainable energy alternatives that better align with Maine's unique needs, including geothermal, bioenergy, and tidal energy.

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