Brunswick has much to celebrate.  We are especially rich in thoughtful, engaged people who contribute to our community life.  Our Town Council should build on that heritage with a strong, positive vision for our future.

Experience matters.  I have always believed in community service and have spent the last several years serving on the Planning Board, the Bridge Design Advisory Committee, the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA), the Village Review Board, and the Zoning Board of Appeals.  I am a former Executive Director of both the Freeport Chamber of Commerce and the Freeport Economic Development Corporation.   I serve as an Ambassador for New Ventures Maine and am a member of 100+ Women who Care.  Additionally, I have owned a small business and for 25 years I was in hotel management.

Now I am more passionate than ever about local involvement and hope to put my energies and skills to work in public policy and on day-to-day issues in Brunswick.  Much of my time is spent listening to residents about what is important to them.  I am hearing that property taxes are high, affordable housing is limited, and new shelters for people without homes or are in transition are critically needed.  First-rate schools need to be protected and enhanced and we must maintain our quality of place by balancing thoughtful development with protection of our existing neighborhoods, green spaces and natural resources.

Excellent schools are part of Brunswick’s fabric.  They are essential for our children’s success in life and for attracting new residents and businesses. Because of the different approaches to teaching and learning already available, the Town Council and School Board have opportunities to partner with local businesses to develop workers, provide training incentives and mentoring, and rewards for local start-ups.  More joint Council/Board public meetings could improve understanding and communication.

Property taxes are of great concern to many of us.  I support local business and encourage new businesses to locate here in an effort to broaden the tax base and provide both property tax relief and jobs for residents.  Cook’s Corner, the Brunswick Industrial Park, and Brunswick Landing are perfect areas for new businesses and creative development that bring good jobs which stimulate local buying and investment.  I applaud the Council’s approach of setting reasonable and affordable tax rate targets.  I hope that the School Board will follow suit.

I support tax credit programs for seniors and those on fixed incomes.

I do not come to this race espousing a single issue or promoting a pre-determined agenda.  I have a broad view of the challenges in town.  I hope to meet these challenges by gathering ideas from a wide range of citizens, stressing inclusivity and collaborations to reduce costs and achieve results of planned growth.

Brunswick has a very bright future and the potential for being a model for well-designed solutions.  We can all support that future by taking part in local activities, discussing issues with our neighbors, and by voting on November 6.  I am hopeful that our new Town Council which will begin work in January will plan its schedule to tackle immediate issues and assign itself the purpose of looking at our longer-term goals.

It’s time to stand up and speak out.

I ask for your support as a candidate for Town Council at Large and welcome conversations about your areas of concern and interest.  I can be reached at [email protected] or 838-9439.