Q-POINT
Q-Point Podcast, hosted by Corenna and David Quirk, is a nonpartisan platform for candid conversations with policymakers, public officials, and changemakers shaping Maine and the nation. The show goes beyond the headlines, diving deep into policy discussions, current events, personal journeys, proposed legislation, and leadership philosophies.
From community leaders to government officials and business executives, guests share their insights, experiences, and perspectives on the issues that matter most to Maine and beyond.
Guests have included U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Congressman Jared Golden, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, former Congressman Bruce Poliquin, U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, former Maine Governor Paul LePage, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey, Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart, Penobscot County Sheriff Troy Morton, Penobscot County Assistant DA Chelsea Lynds, NEFSA Director of Advocacy, Jason Joyce, Maine State Chamber President/CEO Patrick Woodcock, along with numerous gubernatorial, congressional, and state candidates.
Focused on substance over soundbites, Q-Point Podcast explores the real-world impact of legislative decisions, oversight, and public policy through long-form conversations designed to inform, challenge, and engage listeners.
📻 Broadcast statewide weekend mornings on VOM (101.3 FM, 103.9 FM, or stream anywhere on the VOM App).
⬇️ 🎧 Available anytime at QPointPodcast.com or on all major streaming platforms.
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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. This podcast does not endorse candidates nor should any episode be considered an endorsement.
Q-POINT
“DHHS Is Not Working To Keep Maine Kids Safe” — Bellows On Child Safety Failures
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🎙️ Q-Point Podcast | Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows — Part Two
“DHHS Is Not Working To Keep Maine Kids Safe” — Bellows On Child Safety Failures
In Part Two of our conversation with Maine Secretary of State and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Shenna Bellows, we shift into the core of her campaign platform—an “economic new deal” focused on affordability, housing, energy, healthcare, and government reform.
Bellows lays out a bold proposal to freeze property taxes for Maine residents while increasing taxes on non-resident-owned properties, arguing that out-of-state ownership is driving up housing costs and pricing Mainers out of their own communities. She also outlines a plan for state-backed down payments for first-time homebuyers, aimed at helping younger generations overcome barriers to homeownership.
The conversation expands into business climate concerns, including income tax proposals, regulatory burdens, and the challenge of keeping Maine competitive for professionals and entrepreneurs. Bellows emphasizes cutting red tape, streamlining state processes, and balancing pro-business and pro-worker policies.
On healthcare and workforce retention, she points to rising costs, rural hospital instability, and medical access gaps as major economic drivers—alongside childcare and housing affordability. Energy policy also takes center stage, with proposals to cap utility returns, expand solar access for low-income households, and improve permitting for clean energy investment.
We also dig into education performance, teacher pay, and school infrastructure, as well as DHHS reform and child safety, where Bellows calls for structural changes and stronger frontline support.
The discussion turns to accountability in government, including MaineCare fraud, procurement failures, and no-bid contracts—areas where she stresses transparency, competition, and oversight.
Finally, Bellows reflects on her leadership style, willingness to challenge both parties, and what differentiates her candidacy as she makes her case directly to Maine voters.
📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine (101.3 FM, 103.9 FM & The Voice of Maine App).
⬇️ 🎧 Now streaming on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.
Produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.
This episode of Q-Point Podcast is prerecorded. 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.
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.