Address: 59 Roads End Road, Boothbay Harbor

Occupation: General contractor & architectural designer

Education: Franklin University, Bachelor of Science, Health Services Administration, B.S., Suma Cum Laude, HSA, 08/1996

Political History (Boards, Committees): Boothbay Harbor Board of Selectmen, 05/16 thru present; BBH/BB Joint Economic Development Committee (JEDC), 2015 to present; Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission (LCRPC) Exec. Board 2010 to present; Boothbay Harbor Planning Board, 2008 to 2016, chair 2010 to 2016; Boothbay Harbor Comp Plan Committee, 2012 to 2014; BBH/BB Bicycle Pedestrian Plan; Midcoast Route 27 Corridor Management Plan 2011 to 2012

Clubs/Organizations: Boothbay Region TV (BRTV) vice chair, 2017 to present; Harbor Theater board member, 2019 to present; Friends of Midcoast Maine Exec. Board and treasurer, 2014 to 2016

Considering the position you are running for, what do you feel are the three most pressing issues?

Jobs, housing, and schools hold the keys to our future. Our town needs a vibrant and diverse mixture of year-round and seasonal jobs to maintain our age-diverse community. Supporting existing businesses and working to attract new businesses is essential. We achieve this through friendly zoning ordinances, a smooth application and review process, while ensuring our town is well maintained. Keeping our streets pristine, providing safe sidewalks, and investing in improvements to community such as our historic footbridge, conserving our harbor, or supporting community organizations is crucial. We must listen and react to the needs of existing businesses, while respecting the character and history which makes for a safe and inviting place to live.

Likewise, working to solve our housing shortage is paramount. Jobs need workers, and employees, whether year-round or seasonal need safe, affordable places to live. Where applicable, our codes can be updated to increase housing density, decrease lot size or setbacks, or provide incentives like cluster housing bonuses to encourage development. Continued collaboration with Boothbay, Edgecomb, and Southport to identify potential housing opportunities must continue. Without safe and affordable workforce housing, we will lose jobs and continue developing dark streets.

The benefits of increased jobs and improved housing will help sustain our schools. But we cannot stop there. Sensible reinvestment in facilities and appropriately valuing teachers will help to rebuild our school system. Schools are the foundation of our community and investment in our children will serve them immeasurably throughout their lives, while providing an anchor with hopes for their return to our hometown.

The challenges of jobs, housing, and schools are widespread, but we maintain an advantage unlike none other: our community is resourceful, generous, and industrious. Together let’s continue to solve these and other issues, keeping Boothbay Harbor the most wonderful place to live and work.

Any other thoughts on why you are running or what you can bring to the office?

Yes, I’m from away. We sold most everything we had to move to Boothbay Harbor and begin our lives in a community unlike any we’ve ever experienced. Shortly after arriving in 2007, I joined our Planning Board out of the gratitude I felt towards the friendly and respectful way we were treated as applicants. Serving for nearly 8 years, I’ve met countless families, business owners, and others who chose to live and work here. Our sense of history and community runs strong. In 2016 I was elected as Selectman and remain humbled by the opportunity to serve my fellow townspeople. Whether making budget recommendations, reviewing union contracts, or strategic planning, I’ve worked hard to serve our community fairly, and balance growth with a respect for our past. I welcome the challenges ahead, and know I bring skills to help us succeed as a remarkable place to live, work, and thrive.