Deb Farnham
Listener. Collaborator. Leader.
Running to represent
Carmel and Hermon, in District 35
As a three-term school board member and long-time community leader and volunteer, Deb will dedicate her knowledge, skills, and energy to advocate for our communities’ needs.
What Matters Most
Creating Opportunities for Good Paying Jobs
A strong economy drives all progress. Ensuring our economy works for all Mainers is essential. I will work to create and strengthen programs that support business growth (small and large) in all industry sectors.
Supporting Public Education and Educators
A free, quality public education system is a cornerstone of our democracy. As a three-term school committee member and parent to two Carmel teachers, I’ve learned first-hand about the challenges (and amazing successes) happening in today’s classrooms. As your representative, I will work collaboratively to strengthen Maine’s public education system and minimize the financial impact on local municipalities.
Instituting Sensible Controls on AI
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is impacting every aspect of our society. This new frontier of technology bodes great promise, but left unchecked AGI (superintelligent computers and robotics) could prove disastrous. Experts in this field are waving a huge red flag about the potential hazards. It is time to pause ALL new data center construction until we have secure guardrails in place to protect our environment, our jobs and us but left unchecked, it could prove disastrous.
Bolstering Programs to Address Housing and Childcare Needs
The median price of a house in Hermon and Carmel this summer is more than $400,000. Childcare (for just one child) costs more than $1,000 a month. The cost of home ownership and raising a family is forcing our children and grandchildren to make hard choices about where they live. As your legislator, I will work to expand affordable housing and support the Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP).
Expanding Healthcare Accessibility and Affordability
I believe healthcare is a right. As the oldest state in the Union, our seniors and Mainers of all ages are feeling the brunt of hospital, program and practice closures, healthcare worker shortages and burnout, spiraling out-of-pocket and insurance premium costs, nursing home, hospice and home health wait times, plus significant federal cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. I fully support the Maine Democratic Party’s priority statement on this issue: “…committed to fighting to lower healthcare costs and expand access. That is not a partisan issue. It is a moral one. And it is our job.”
Strengthening Civil Rights and Human Rights
Discrimination because of one’s race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability should never be tolerated. I will support strengthening laws that prohibit and penalize those who discriminate.
Protecting Maine’s Environment and Natural Resources
Maine’s air, land, waterways and wildlife are precious. From the wells in our own backyards to the forests and oceans where we play, work and sustain ourselves, I believe we are stewards of this part of the earth we call home. We must protect it with thoughtful and appropriate regulation that will keep it as pristine as possible. Maine is affectionately known as “Vacationland.” As your representative, I will protect the natural wonder of my home state for your grandchildren and mine.
Streamlining Government Programs and Services for Efficiency and Effectiveness
I’m tired of hearing about government bureaucracy! Government programs and services – paid for by your hard-earned tax dollars – should be run like a well-oiled machine. It’s time for a thoughtful review of all agencies, programs, processes and required paperwork so our government can serve Mainers in the most efficient and effective manner.