Address: Wiscasset

Occupation: Writer/Editor, former Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Navy veteran

Education: B.S. and M.S. in Behavior Analysis, MFA in Creative Writing

Political History (Board, Committees, other): Elected to Select Board in 2021, appointed as Vice Chair in 2022. Served as Select Board Liaison to Airport, Broadband, Climate, and Investment Committees, and Wiscasset’s representative to the Maine Municipal Legislative Policy Committee. Served on Budget Committee in 2023 and presently serve on Wiscasset Climate Action Team

Clubs/Organizations: Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, Green Curtain Roadshow

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

I believe the most pressing issue for most people lately is the sudden rise in the cost of just about everything. Each year, rising prices threaten to increase our taxes, too, and often do. I want to help keep that from happening. During my prior term on the Wiscasset Select Board (2021 to 2023, another time when prices were rising), we lowered taxes for the first time in many years. We did so even while expanding services and strengthening our workforce with raises and improved benefits. Now more than ever, we need smart spending to ensure high quality public services without straining household budgets.

Second is maintaining and improving our infrastructure. Since 2022, I have served on the Wiscassest Climate Action Team. Our objectives as a coastal community are primarily about protecting our waterfront and shoring up against increasingly high tides and powerful storms, but there are gains to be made as well, by converting our properties to renewable, reliable, home-grown energy, like putting solar panels on our municipal buildings. It’s hard looking at the receipts every month at what we pay for volatile energy sources from far away when we could just collect it from the roof.

Third is economic development, which touches many other critical issues. Maine has experienced a surge in population growth in recent years, bringing revenue as well as the challenge of finding places for everyone. We need housing in Wiscasset so members of our town’s workforce can live where they work, if they want to, plus room for new businesses and jobs, community spaces and other enhancements. Wiscasset has room to grow and unused assets to help capitalize on the changes ahead, and we must proceed with smart planning and a commitment to protect our natural environment and other precious resources.

Any other thoughts on why you are running or what you can bring to the office? (150 words or less):

I moved to Maine in 2011. I was a behavior analyst working with schools and families. My focus was on developing systems to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. Recently, I returned to school for a degree in creative writing, and have just, with the help of some friends, founded a literary journal. I’m also part of a fundraising project to help preserve old-growth forests. As a public servant, I believe in democracy, transparency and public collaboration. As a Navy veteran and regular hard-working American, I love Wiscasset and what it represents, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve and be part of this community.