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In this continued conversation, Senator Jim Libby discusses welfare expansion, accountability, and the urgent need to realign Maine’s budget priorities. He shares concerns about unbid nonprofit contracts, misuse of public funds, and the growth of dependency programs that he believes “are hurting, not helping” Mainers. Libby calls for stronger oversight at DHHS, transparency in spending, and a renewed focus on workforce participation to strengthen Maine’s long-term fiscal health.

Now airing weekends on VOM — The Voice of Maine 101.3, 103.9, and on the VOM app.

This episode of Q-Point Podcast is prerecorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.

Q-Point Podcast invites guests and candidates from all parties to join the conversation. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

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Senator Jim Libby sits down with Q-Point Podcast to explain his decision to run under Maine’s Clean Elections system and share his views on how money shapes policy in Augusta. He breaks down budget growth and tax changes, outlining a four-year plan to reduce income taxes and expand the homestead exemption for property-tax relief. Libby shares concerns about MaineCare expansion and hospital reimbursement challenges, calls for regulatory stability to support small businesses, and details an “all-of-the-above” approach to energy that includes hydro, natural gas, biomass, and selective solar.

Now airing weekends on VOM — The Voice of Maine 101.3, 103.9, and on the VOM app.

This episode of Q-Point Podcast is prerecorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.

Q-Point Podcast invites guests and candidates from all parties to join the conversation. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

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In Part Two, Maine State Senator and Independent Gubernatorial Candidate Rick Bennett continues the conversation, turning to some of Maine’s most urgent challenges:

⚡ Energy Reform — Bennett warns that Maine’s solar subsidy program has left “$240 million of stranded costs onto ratepayers,” with most benefits going to out-of-state Wall Street firms. He argues these policies drive up rates, hurt small businesses, and stall electrification.

💊 Drug Trafficking — Bennett says cartel-level trafficking is “killing people literally” and pledges stronger enforcement while supporting prevention and recovery. He stresses the need to confront organized crime bringing kilo-level fentanyl, meth, and cocaine into Maine.

🚨 Public Safety — Beyond drugs, Bennett highlights broader law enforcement priorities and the importance of appointing leaders in public safety who will treat enforcement as a top issue.

🏛️ Political Reform — Bennett pushes for opening up closed-door caucuses, stricter lobbying disclosure, and greater transparency in Augusta. As an independent, he says, “You don’t have to take politics as it’s currently served up… it’s completely within our power.”

📅 Q-Point Podcast airs weekends on VOM – Voice of Maine (101.3 / 103.9) at 6:00 AM Saturdays and 6:30 AM Sundays, or listen live on the VOM app.
🎧 Episodes are also available anytime at QPointPodcast.com or on your favorite podcast apps, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

Disclosure: This episode of Q-Point Podcast is prerecorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

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Maine State Senator and independent gubernatorial candidate Rick Bennett explains why he left the GOP and why party structures have become an obstacle to real solutions. He says the parties have become a “net negative” and argues for a new path built on cross-partisanship, compromise, and transparency.

Bennett outlines three top priorities if elected governor: housing, energy, and schools. On housing, he highlights a shortfall of 80,000 homes by 2030 and warns, “You can’t subsidize your way to 80,000 houses.” He calls for cutting unnecessary regulations and enabling more compact, affordable development.

He also critiques Maine’s partisan budget process as “performative” and says the Legislature no longer fully reviews the state budget. He proposes flipping hearings to prioritize public testimony, rebalancing the state’s over-reliance on property taxes, and properly funding and expanding the Homestead Exemption, especially for seniors.

📅 Q-Point Podcast airs weekends on VOM – Voice of Maine (101.3 / 103.9) at 6:00 AM Saturdays and 6:30 AM Sundays, or listen live on the VOM app.
🎧 Episodes are also available anytime at QPointPodcast.com or on your favorite podcast app.

Disclosure: This episode of Q-Point Podcast is prerecorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

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Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Lynds continues her candid conversation, recounting the harrowing “Teddy Bear” fentanyl overdose case and her push for LD 592, which would have created a felony version of endangering the welfare of a child. She reflects on political resistance in Augusta, the influence of lobbyists, stalled appeals, and her call for Maine to invest in young lawyers and expand access to legal education in northern Maine.

📻 Weekends on VOM (Voice of Maine) 101.3, 103.9, or stream on the VOM app — or listen anytime at QPointPodcast.com
or your favorite app.

This episode of Q-Point Podcast is prerecorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience. The opinions and perspectives shared in this program are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the Q-Point Podcast or its affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

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Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Lynds of Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties discusses how Maine’s justice system is straining under the weight of rising felony cases, staffing shortages, and the defense crisis for indigent people. She explains how caseloads for prosecutors have doubled since 2019, the fallout from COVID and attorney shortages, bail reforms, and the challenge of “catch-and-release” dynamics with repeat offenders.

📻 Weekends on VOM (Voice of Maine) 101.3, 103.9, or stream on the VOM app — or listen anytime at QPointPodcast.com
or your favorite app.

This episode of Q-Point Podcast is prerecorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience. The opinions and perspectives shared in this program are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the Q-Point Podcast or its affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

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In Part Two, Corey Bagley outlines his vision for the Sheriff’s Office and the leadership style he would bring if elected. He details why he believes cashless bail has failed, why he supports Maine’s yellow flag law and opposes a broader red flag law, and why transparency and accountability must be central to law enforcement.

Bagley highlights the importance of modernizing equipment with body and cruiser cameras, pursuing accreditation, and properly planning for K-9 units. He also shares the story of starting the Sheriff’s Cup basketball tournament, which grew into the Sheriff Charities program, now linked with the Luke Gross Scholarship Fund. From supporting deputies with better training and mental health care to building community trust through outreach and partnerships, Bagley emphasizes that public safety requires cooperation across agencies and with the citizens they serve.

📻 Now airing on VOM 101.3, 103.9, and the VOM app every weekend
🎧 Listen anytime at QPointPodcast.com
or on your favorite streaming platform

This episode of Q-Point Podcast is prerecorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience. Q-Point Podcast invites guests and candidates from all parties to join the conversation. The views, information, opinions, and comments expressed during this program do not necessarily represent those of the hosts or Q-Point Podcast associates and affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

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In Part One, Republican candidate for Hancock County Sheriff Corey Bagley shares his story of growing up in Hancock County, serving more than three decades in law enforcement, and building community ties through service and leadership. From his time patrolling Swans Island to supervising for the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, Bagley reflects on the challenges of policing in a county that sees both seasonal surges from Acadia National Park and the impact of fentanyl and cartel-linked trafficking.

He discusses the strain on the Hancock County Jail, the fiscal challenges of LD 1’s 4% cap, and the need to modernize training, expand mental health resources, and revive community service initiatives for inmates. Bagley also voices strong concerns about Maine’s cashless bail system, which he says leaves repeat offenders cycling in and out of jail with little accountability.

📻 Now airing on VOM 101.3, 103.9, and the VOM app every weekend
🎧 Listen anytime at QPointPodcast.com
or on your favorite streaming platform

This episode of Q-Point Podcast is prerecorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience. Q-Point Podcast invites guests and candidates from all parties to join the conversation. The views, information, opinions, and comments expressed during this program do not necessarily represent those of the hosts or Q-Point Podcast associates and affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.