Address: 61 Water St.

Occupation: Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement, University of Maine School of Law; supply preacher (multiple churches across Maine, working towards ordination)

Education: BA (Colby College), MPP (American University), PhD (University of Southern Maine), three certificates: Estimated completion June 2026 (Maine School of Ministry)

Political History (Board, Committees, other): Wiscasset Board of Selectmen (2020-Present, Chair 2021-Present); Wiscasset School Board (2005-2009, vice chair 2009); Comprehensive Plan Committee (2022-Present, Current chair)

Clubs/Organizations: Wiscasset Creative Alliance, Board of Directors (2020-Present); Wiscasset Wormfest, Founding Member (2023-Present); Wiscasset Public Library, Board of Corporators (2020-Present); First Congregation of Wiscasset (various roles over the last 20 years including fundraising event coordination, Council President, Search Committee Chair, Deacon)

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

One of our most pressing issues is our wastewater treatment plant and figuring out the funding to either move it or (if eventually allowed) build a seawall. No matter the solution, it will likely cost in the $30 to $60 million range and the funds will have to come from multiple sources to be feasible, including federal, state, and local. The next board needs to be very supportive of town staff as they seek to find creative ways to fund the various phases of whatever the project entails.

With our aging population in particular (we are still often the oldest county in the state and Maine is often the oldest state in the nation), taxes and the rising cost of living are always pressing issues. Costs are going up in almost every area that impacts our lives and subsequently our town departments. We provide many services as a town (such as EMS, police, fire, community center) that other towns do not and voters continue to fund those departments. However, we need to continue to work to find ways to keep our taxes flat, or lower, compared to the large increases we are seeing across all industries. This includes continuing to pursue economic development opportunities, planning ahead for capital expenses, and taking advantage of state and federal opportunities for matching funds or other general funding.

Finally, an issue that continues to impact almost everything we do is the general divisiveness within communities that we have seen across the country. Unfortunately, that divisiveness is also present in our community. I think it’s extremely important that the selectboard set an example of level-headed and transparent leadership and I believe that we have indeed done that over the last few years. We need all voices at the table and it’s essential for citizens to feel like they are being heard by their local government. It’s also important for people to be willing to sit down together and solve problems. I believe that by setting an example at the local level, we can bridge these divides and truly strengthen the heart of our wonderful community. 

Any other thoughts on why you are running or what you can bring to the office? (150 words or less): I feel strongly that I’m someone who can and does bring people together and find common ground even in difficult and contentious situations. I’ve worked hard for this town over the last six years and will continue to do so. If you’ve attended or viewed any selectboard meetings, you’ll find that when there’s a proposal or issue, I’m going to critically evaluate it and ask numerous questions. No matter if it’s a great idea or a terrible one on the surface, I get down to the details, consider long-term and short-term consequences (including unintended ones), listen to all opinions, and only then do I make a decision I think is in the best interest of the town. I am a proud native of Wiscasset and I am certain that I have more value I can add as a selectman. I would be honored by your vote on June 9.