Address: Clark Drive, Wiscasset

Occupation: Retired

Education: University of Maine at Augusta Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies

Political History (Board, Committees, other): Budget Committee

Clubs/Organizations: American Legion Post 54, Wiscasset

Considering the office you are running for, what do you feel are the three most pressing issues (350 words or less):  

1) Lowering property taxes. It won’t happen any time soon, if ever, so I’ll go on to #2.

2) Keeping taxes flat, but like #1, it also will not happen any time soon. I get it, things cost money. The town is a business, and it needs money to keep the lights on, pay bills, pay its employees, insurance, the various cost centers etc. And next year they will cost more due to inflation, annual pay increases, some unforeseen issue that comes up etc. I understand it, businesses take money to run. And they get that money from the taxpayers. Which brings me to #3.

3) Raising taxes. But doing so in the most responsible and judicious manner possible, a more nuanced approach perhaps. That is not to say much thought has not happened in the past, but wanting to make sure that it stays “front and center." An example perhaps would be NOT acquiring new equipment for public works, or an ambulance, or a police cruiser, firetruck etc., a little bit at a time, and then having the need to get them all at once. Taxes would go through the roof. So, a town gets some this year, some next year, the year after. And barring those unforeseen issues, it lessens the spike of taxes in a given year. Responsibly and judiciously. But are there things that Wiscasset doesn’t need that are new, costly and or expensive, or perhaps done in a different manner or way that would also not just benefit Wiscasset in the near term but also in the long term as well? 

Any other thoughts on why you are running or what you can bring to the office? (150 words or less): (no response submitted)