About the candidate
Born in New Hampshire; South Portland resident since 2005; avid runner and Master Gardener; married to my spouse, Susan, since 2013 (when same-sex marriage was legalized).
Education
MBA from Drexel University; BS from UMass-Amherst
Previous times run for office and elected office held
Nine years on the South Portland City Council; elected to Cumberland County Commission in 2022.
Why are you running?
To continue to lend my skills to shape the future of Cumberland County government that is responsive to the needs of our 28 communities. I enjoy the challenge of using my business strategy and public service background to guide the county into a new era of increased collaboration with cities, towns and allied agencies. The county needs to take a strategic and thoughtful approach in how it builds internal capacity and invests in regional services that provide meaningful benefits.
Top three priorities
I would like to continue to strengthen the county’s reputation as a reliable partner that produces cost-effective results for the many local entities and municipalities that we work with.
I wish to continue to provide transparent, thoughtful fiscal stewardship of the county’s annual budget.
I also will continue to be a strong advocate for appropriate state funding of Cumberland County Jail to address long-range funding issues and to upgrade jail operations.
If you could change one thing about how Cumberland County functions, what would it be and why?
I would like to increase the county’s public outreach and strengthen our reputation as a welcome partner in solving needs of towns and cities. I would advocate for more avenues for community members to engage with county government and highlight its many assets and services.
What is the biggest challenge facing your county? The biggest opportunity?
The current funding for the county jail is woefully insufficient. Should the county amend its contract with the U.S. Marshals Service to exclude ICE agents, as many citizens have requested, this will result in a larger deficit. While I support the elimination of the use of our jail by ICE agents, I also recognize the financial impact of my position. The jail’s budget, without major changes to funding, is not sustainable.
Do you support more development – i.e. more housing construction and business building in your county? Why or why not?
All towns and cities, including those in Cumberland County, need to be part of housing solutions and options for Southern Maine, so yes, I do support increasing the development of housing in Cumberland County. From Preble Street’s Home First initiatives, to partnering with Habitat for Humanity for the construction of affordable homes for low-income individuals, all these specific housing issues need our collective attention and financial investment.