Address: 918 Old Stage Road, Woolwich​

Occupation: Treasurer/General Manager Jack Shaw and Sons, Inc.

Education: High school, attended University of Maine

Political background: Various transportation committees and Planning Board for over 20 years, Selectboard 2012-present

Clubs/organizations: Current: Special Events Committee, Meetinghouse Committee. Previous: Woolwich Historical Society Board (still active volunteer).

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

I’ve been known to say, “There’s what we want, what we need and what we can afford.” It’s about balancing these elements within the Town, often on a day-to-day basis, such as dealing with different department heads, selling town-owned property, and issues from residents. There are also many things the Town doesn’t have much control over, such as the County and RSU budgets, but what I try to do is provide information so that residents can make an educated decision. And we also provide input to the County, the RSU, and even the state legislature so they hear feedback from the local level. The annual budget is always important and takes thoughtful consideration. I’m proud of the budgets I helped craft with the other selectboard members for the Town Meeting’s consideration. Annual Town Meeting is where the important decisions get made.

I love Woolwich and I love serving this Town. My family has deep roots in the Town. I’ve been attending selectboard meetings for decades. I bring a common-sense approach to issues, and have the time to devote to them. In the past few years, the board elected me to be the Vice-chair, which requires frequent outreach with residents, contractors, and other public officials around the state.

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

The Town is very diverse and it’s important to represent all the different facets. I’m very accessible and good at following up with concerns as they arise, willing to ask questions and suggest common-sense solutions. I’m a good communicator and consensus-builder.

Being fiscally responsible and representing the people are very important to me. Every decision we make has an impact on taxpayers and I take that role very seriously. I also think Woolwich has a lot to offer and I’ve been active in planning Woolwich Day and maintaining the old Nequasset Meetinghouse.

Hopefully the work I’ve done on the selectboard for the past 15 years, as well as my prior service on the Planning Board and other regional transportation boards, has given voters some confidence in my actions. We have a well-balanced board and every selectboard member brings their own unique talents, and I truly enjoy being part of that team.