Address: 106 Bath Road, Wiscasset

Occupation: Attorney (retired)

Education: B.A. in German, The University of Texas at Austin; J.D., South Texas College of Law

Political History (Board, Committees, other): Currently serve as secretary of the Economic Development Committee (Wiscasset); various positions in numerous boards and organizations over the years, including PTA president (twice), and vice president of the Women's Energy Network (Dallas).

Clubs/Organizations: President, Wiscasset Creative Alliance; Chair of Homes on Tour (Wiscasset Creative Alliance); Co-Chair, Ways and Means and Finance, Garden Club of Wiscasset; Friends of the Library; Lincoln County Historical Association, Old Jail Docent; Wiscasset Yacht Club

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

Economic Development — Roughly 50% of Wiscasset's population is between the ages of 18 and 64, and encouraging growing and vibrant businesses to come to Wiscasset will not only provide good jobs and careers in the community but also provide an increase to the tax base for the community.  I hear too often of young people that want to stay here, but feel they must leave to improve their job prospects. As part of a sound economic development plan, Wiscasset, through its various advisory committees, is considering ways to attract businesses. This may mean streamlining the permitting processes and reviewing regulations and ordinances that may no longer serve their original purpose and have been a roadblock to economic development. The past year has seen a number of new businesses make Wiscasset their home and I would like to see this growth continued and expanded.

Housing — Wiscasset does not have a large supply of affordable homes for young people to purchase. And rentals are in short supply, as well, with rental rates increasing beyond what is considered affordable. Wiscasset can encourage new homes and apartments, as well as RSUs, to be built.  In the MECERP implementation plan for Wiscasset released this spring, the lack of adequate housing was highlighted. Wiscasset needs to expand its housing supply so that our community will grow and be home to families for generations.  

Preparing for the next generations — One of the best parts of being retired is being able to focus on the future in ways that will have meaning and impact. Decisions made today will impact Wiscasset for the next 50 to 100 years.  One of those decisions will be around the water treatment facility and securing grants and optimal financing for it. As well, finding ways to take advantage of the valuable energy infrastructure here will allow the economy of Wiscasset to flourish for years to come.

Any other thoughts on why you are running or what you can bring to the office? (150 words or less): Several people in town approached me to run for selectman. I hope that they saw my pragmatic nature, ability to listen, business experience, and enthusiasm for Wiscasset and the people here as reasons to encourage me to run. My many years of experience in business (international oil and gas) refined my abilities to work with a wide range of people and interests, listen to concerns and goals, and create solutions that meet the needs of the people.