Address: Wiscasset

Occupation: Library Director, Selectman, Yoga Teacher

 Political History (Board, Committees, other): Over 16 years serving the Town of Wiscasset on Budget Committee and Board of Selectmen. Former member of Maine Municipal Association Legislative Policy Committee.

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

Wiscasset used to be a very wealthy town with many high-paying jobs and Maine Yankee’s taxes. We now have many citizens with extremely limited budgets struggling to pay their basic bills to get by in life. It’s time that Wiscasset started looking at what we need to carry us forward and relieve the tax burden. We do that with economic development to attract more business and broaden our tax base.

Wiscasset has great assets. The most often discussed is the $12 million reserve account. The Town developed a sustainable use policy for these funds. We are using that policy to keep these funds sustainable while we use them to offset taxes and maintain infrastructure. It is crucial that we continue to protect these accounts. 

Other assets, roads, buildings and waterfront need constant maintenance. Current town leadership has recognized this need and continues to manage assets. There is a lot of work to be done but we are moving forward and making upgrades and repairs in a responsible manner.

Economic development needs to continue so we can identify and invite new businesses into town to increase the tax base. Preserving our unique history while moving into the future and building a community between lifelong residents and newcomers should be one of our goals.  

Please, take a strong look at what Wiscasset really needs and help me to help you put that in place for our future. Let us work together to build a plan that will work for all of the people of Wiscasset. 

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

I am a Wiscasset resident of over 52 years with over 16 years serving the Town of Wiscasset on Budget Committee and Board of Selectmen. I know how it used to be, how it is now, and how we got here. I believe this knowledge is crucial on the Board to avoid repeating mistakes of the past. I am running for a seat on the Wiscasset Board of Selectmen to support the needs of our community.