Address: P.O. Box 308, 36 Langdon Road, Wiscasset 

Occupation: Director of Annual Giving, University of Southern Maine Foundation

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Government, Colby College; Master of Public Policy, American University; Ph.D. Public Policy, University of Southern Maine; Maine School of Ministry, current student

Political history (board, committees, other): Wiscasset Selectboard (2020-Present), Chair (2021-Present); Selectboard Liaison, Wiscasset Ordinance Review Committee (2020-Present); Selectboard Liaison, Wiscasset Cemetery Committee (2021-Present); Wiscasset School Board (2005-2009); Governor Baxter School for the Hard of Hearing Board (2006-2009)

Clubs/Organizations: Wiscasset Public Library Board of Corporators , Wiscasset Female Charitable Society, Friends of Wiscasset, First Congregational Church, Wiscasset, Wiscasset Creative Alliance, Board of Directors 

Considering the office you are running for, what do you feel are the three most pressing issues (350 words or less): I believe the three most pressing issues facing Wiscasset are rising costs (on all fronts), planning for the future, and engaging our citizenry. Inflation and the rising costs of all facets of life are impacting everyone, including our town budgets. Our town manager and board have made substantial efforts to be creative when it comes to solving budget decisions, but we will be continually tested, particularly over the next year or more. As a town, we need to continually evaluate if we want the services that we pay for. Our tax rate is where it is largely because we have many services that other towns do not. We have some really talented and dedicated employees and department heads but we have to keep having the tough conversations. 

We've made great strides in terms of being more business-friendly because of our contract with the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission and while we don't have a full-time planner in the budget for the coming year, I think we have an opportunity to make even more positive steps in the right direction in terms of economic development planning with our contract with them this year. We also have the opportunity to look even further ahead with our comprehensive planning process. In general, we have to keep thinking about the consequences of our decisions not only in the near-term but in the long-term.

One goal of mine that we've made some progress in but still have a long way to go is engaging our citizens. We know our website is lacking and that we can do better to communicate with citizens. I think it's essential that all voices are represented and heard and that can't happen unless everyone has access to the information they need. I have many ideas for the website and hope that we can implement a system of notification that allows those who opt in to receive updates including when elections are, when roads are closed, or other emergency or important information. Town government only benefits when more people are involved, not less, and we need to make it more accessible. 

Any other thoughts on why you are running or what you can bring to the office? (150 words or less): I bring a unique, balanced perspective to the board. I grew up here, spent five years in a big city, and then returned to stay permanently. I have great appreciation for the history and heritage of this town but I also understand and appreciate the need to plan for the future. Those who have seen me at board meetings know that I ask a lot of questions. Even if I whole-heartedly believe in an idea, I believe it's my job to ask all of the tough questions to make sure whatever decision we're making is best for the town. As I said two years ago, we are in a moment of momentum. We have a unique occasion to take advantage of the opportunities presented to us with the pandemic through tourism and in-migration and make decisions that put us where we want to be in the future.