Previous Offices Held
2016-2019 vice chair of Damariscotta Selectboard
Top Three Priorities
1) Responsible budgeting and the county’s long-term fiscal stability. 2) Building stronger partnerships with municipalities and the state to share services, reduce duplication and secure sustainable funding. I will aim to have county government delivering essential services efficiently and transparently. 3) Right-sizing the county jail by strengthening behavioral health, substance-use and public safety services.
Why are you running?
I am running because county government has a meaningful impact on our communities. I bring more than 20 years of financial and operational experience and a collaborative leadership style. I will use this experience to strengthen fiscal oversight, increase transparency and help Cumberland County work more effectively with municipalities to solve our regional challenges.
What is the biggest challenge facing your town/county? The biggest opportunity?
Our biggest challenge is maintaining essential services as costs rise and federal and state funding become less predictable. We need disciplined budgeting without shifting problems onto municipalities. Our biggest opportunity is regional collaboration. By working with municipalities, the Greater Portland Council of Governments, the state and community partners, the county can share resources, and improve services. Collaboration delivers better value to taxpayers.
If you could change one thing about how the town/county functions, what would it be and why?
I would like to make county government more transparent and accessible to the people it serves. Residents should be able to clearly understand the county's priorities, finances and results. I would strengthen long-term financial planning and use measurable outcomes to evaluate programs. Transparency and clear intention build trust. It’s up to us to ensure taxpayer dollars are directed where they have the greatest impact.
Do you support more development – i.e. more housing construction and business building in your town/county? Why or why not?
Yes, we need more workforce housing. I support thoughtful development in and around existing population centers, where infrastructure and services can support the growth. Attention to protecting our natural spaces and rural character is also important. While land-use decisions largely rest with municipalities, the county can support regional planning, infrastructure and collaboration.