Address:  Westport Island

Occupation:  U.S. Consular Agent – retired (U.S. State Department employee) - 19 years; University professor – retired – 13 years; MDOT; Darling Marine Center – The University; Abandoned Farms (mussel farm)

Education: BS University of Maine at Orono- Geology• MS South Bank University – Environmental and Development Education

Political History (Board, Committees, other): Member of the WI Cemetery Committee; volunteer for FOWIH (Friends of WI History)

Clubs/Organizations: Steward of Bonyun Preserve; member of the Maine Mid-Coast Weavers Group; 16-year member of a Triathlon group (Márcio Soares Sports)

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

I am running for member of the Select Board and will bring my diplomatic skills to the office working for all residents. The following are several points that I plan to address:

1. Preserve the rural character of the island. Development pressures are increasing. We must be proactive through to preserve natural areas, access to traditional uses such as hunting, access to the water for work and recreation. 

2. Protect the water. Other islands have seen dried up wells and salt intrusion due to quick development as Westport Island is currently experiencing. Short term rentals pose a particular risk, especially with the new affordable housing rules imposed by the state. We need to act quickly to protect the water table for those of us who already live here based on sound data. 

3. Address safety concerns on Main Road: Speeding, narrow shoulders, sign destruction, washouts along edges of pavement. We need better safety for drivers, pedestrians, and bike riders. I will work to engage and improve performance of partners, while exploring other options that the town can pursue on our own.

Given rising costs, especially in heating, food and taxes, I am committed to ensuring that Westport Island looks for funding via grants or State and Federal Government benefits to pay for the many needs that the Town has. 

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

I’m a good listener, respect different opinions, and will facilitate open lines of conversation, transparency, and participation. My previous work experience has given me a good overview of many of the issues in the State as well as locally that we are dealing with, and the skills to tackle them. 

My extended family has a 58-year history on Westport Island. This is where four generations of Nelsons have spent their formative years. Our roots are deep and our commitment long-term. I personally have been coming to Westport Island since 1977 and know that it is a special place. I want to give back to the Island that has given my family and me so much, and to ensure that the island is ready for when my grandchildren grow up and decide they too want to wake up the sun over the Atlantic Ocean and lay roots in Westport Island.