Address: 50 C Union Street, Boothbay Harbor

Occupation: Currently retired; High school history teacher (20 years); Realtor (17 years)

Education: B.A. New York University; M.A. Teachers College, Columbia University; M.Ed. Teachers College, Columbia University; Center for Moral Education, Harvard University

Political History (Boards, Committees): Zoning Appeals Board, Alternate

Clubs/Organizations: Lions Club, member and former president; Boothbay Harbor Opera House Board, vice president; Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation, president; Meals on Wheels; Food for Thought; Food Pantry; Burnt Island, volunteer light keeper; Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club; Friends of the Harbor; Seaside Lodge, Mason; Harbor Theater, member and weekly ticket taker; Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church, member, Chancel and Bell Choir and BeFriender Ministry

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

I care deeply about this town and its future. The key to that future is the careful management of our most valuable resource — the harbor. It is what attracts people to live here, to visit as tourists and to provide a livelihood for fishing families. It is the primary economic engine of this town and needs to be respected.

For our town to be economically viable we must strike a balance between tourism and the needs of our year-round community.

We need to address declining school enrollment, to fund capital improvements to our schools and to provide year-round jobs and affordable housing for young families. How we deal with those issues will determine the future of this town.

There has been much debate surrounding the east side zoning proposals. People are most involved about things they value most — the harbor is one. The passion of the debate is a sign of a community actively trying to define itself as it changes. Public interest has actually helped to shape and moderate the impact of the current warrants facing the voters. There is now the possibility of a public park on the east side with free public access and additional working waterfront which brings balance to east side land use.

There is never one right answer to complex situations. No one best solution and no single person to solve the problem. We solve problems by working together; by being civil and respectful in our debate; by listening to one another instead of speaking past each other; and most all, being committed to making this town a better place for all.

I would like to be part of the process seeking solutions and being on the Select Board will give me that opportunity. Please support me and allow me to serve.

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

My roots run deep in New England. I am independent, involved and committed. I carry no one else’s water. I speak my mind plainly but respectfully. I listen and respond thoughtfully when discussing important issues. We all have our opinions but we must be able to balance our opinions against the facts in an argument and be willing to accept a position that perhaps we didn’t hold initially. I think I have demonstrated those qualities during our lengthy and rather contentious east side zoning discussions. If elected, I will bring that same temperate style to the Select Board.