During the first regular session of the 132nd Maine Legislature, and as your freshman Representative for House District 18, I arrived in Augusta in late 2024 with a self-imposed mandate I call “the Golden Ratio”: two ears, one mouth. Listen more than you speak.
I believe that when we follow this simple principle—and tune out the noise—we learn far more. While I still have much to learn about the nuances of doing business under the Dome, one conclusion has already become clear: not every solution from Augusta requires a new law. Sometimes the best results come from a conversation with the right people, perhaps over a cup of coffee, and a healthy dose of Maine common sense.
That brings me to one of my bills from the first session: LD 164, “An Act to Exempt Authorized Emergency Vehicles from Tolls When Operating in an Official Capacity.” Submitted in April 2025, it was unanimously voted “Ought Not to Pass” at the committee level.
Why would I be pleased that one of my bills died? Let me explain.
As I stood before the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation to present my sponsor testimony, I listened carefully to the committee’s questions—especially those from members who have spent far more time in Augusta than I have. I sensed that while the idea itself made sense, there was hesitation to enact a new law to address the issue.
The problem was straightforward: fire and EMS departments were reportedly being charged tolls on the Maine Turnpike while transporting patients or responding to true emergencies. While those tolls may seem nominal, I argued they would be better spent on training, equipment, or supplies—anything but tolls. Eliminating that expense could also help ease pressure on local property taxes.
I thanked the committee and walked away somewhat dejected, suspecting I knew the outcome. Before I left the room, however, a senior member asked if we could talk. I gladly accepted—and listened.
“Mac,” he said, “your idea is common sense, and I support it in principle. But are you aware that we can simply send a letter to the Maine Turnpike Authority and ask them to review their policy?”
That was the moment.
As of January 2026, the Maine Turnpike Authority evaluated the issue, assessed the fiscal impact on bondholders, determined it would be negligible, and agreed to update its policies—benefiting fire and EMS departments across Maine.
No new law. Just a conversation, a letter, and a little common sense.
I’ll count that as a small victory—and an important lesson.
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