About the Candidate

President of the board, Somerset Humane Society in Skowhegan

Education

High school diploma.

Continuing legal education in the construction field and training in the Maine Municipal Association and Maine County Commissioners Association

Previous campaigns and elected office(s) held

I was a Skowhegan Select Board member from 2008 to 2014 and served two years on the Somerset County budget committee. I was a Somerset County commissioner from 2014 to 2022; I was vice chair my first year and then chair for the remaining seven.

During my previous tenure on the select board, our long-term planning on the sewer overflow project saved taxpayers’ money. During my tenure as county commissioner, we kept the budget down to an approximately 2% increase per year while still looking ahead to complete projects and fairly compensate employees. We paid off the jail eight years early and saved the taxpayers eight years of payments.

Top three priorities

1) Accountability to the taxpayers

2) Long-term financial planning in order to minimize annual increases to taxes

3) Provide affordable services.

Why are you running?

I have always been civic minded. I made a positive difference in the years I held office, and I’m going to take a close look at town operations to see if we are running at maximum efficiency. My main goal is to look out for the taxpayers and take a close look where we may be able to save money.

What is the biggest challenge facing your community? The biggest opportunity?

Biggest challenge: I won’t promise things I don’t know enough about yet, like lowering taxes. But I do promise to look at the whole operation, speak with the public and town employees in order to make common sense decisions.

Biggest opportunity: To have a positive impact on town operations for all the citizens of Skowhegan.

If you could change one thing about how your community functions, what would it be and why?

I cannot answer that right now. If I get elected, I will look at the whole operation and see what can be improved.

Do you support more development in your community? Why or why not?

I would love to see the second bridge come to fruition. I would also like to see more affordable housing and the jobs to support it.