Pamela J. Dunning seeks to rejoin Wiscasset selectboard

Wed, 05/17/2023 - 8:00am

Address: Old Bath Road

Occupation: Director, Wiscasset Public Library

Education: University of Maine Augusta

Political History (Board, Committees, other): Wiscasset Budget Committee 6 years. Wiscasset Board of Selectmen 8 years. Maine Municipal Association Legislative Policy Committee (lobbying municipal law)

Clubs/Organizations: I belong to American Library Association, Maine Library Association, New England Library Association, Association of Rural and Small Libraries. I have, also, just joined the Wiscasset Yacht Club.

Considering the office you are running for, what do you feel are the three most pressing issues (350 words or less):  1. We need to preserve the beauty of our small town. This is a place where our citizens live in homes, among their family, friends and neighbors. This is a place where you can talk to everyone we meet on the street and be assured of a smile and a welcome. Longstanding residents are here because this is the way Maine should be. Let’s keep it safe and precious. 2. Wiscasset is struggling to decide how to fund the requirement to replace our Waste Water Treatment Plant and support the infrastructure and services that were put into place during fiscally abundant years. 3. The town is too dependent on the reserve accounts and endowments. They need to be protected for our future.

These are some ways we can work to fulfill these goals. We continue to work together to maintain our friendly atmosphere. It is up to us to set the tone in town. We aggressively seek grants and other sources of funding for infrastructure repairs and for a new Waste Water Treatment Plant. Additionally, the town must work to attract businesses into town which will broaden the tax base and release the burden from the homeowners. This may sound over simplified but it really is as simple as that. If we work together to accomplish these goals, we can make it happen.

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

As I wrote in my letter to the Citizens of Wiscasset, I am running because I believe that the Town needs my institutional memory. I know what we have already tried, what worked and what did not work. I want to return that knowledge to the Board and do my share in working toward a stronger future. I was raised in a family of public service. I feel called to serve my Town and all of its people to the best of my ability.