Previous Offices Held
Ran and won a partial term – Scarborough Town Council – June 2025- present
Top Three Priorities
-Managing Growth – including traffic, infrastructure, housing development, thoughtful zoning, prohibiting data centers -Affordability for all residents – creating opportunities for all income levels regarding housing, taxes, public transportation, childcare/preschool and employment -Quality of life issues – continue efforts around public safety, open space, conservation, recreation and shared beach access These priorities will require persistent attention, collaboration and community feedback.
Why are you running?
I am running for reelection based on the success of my first term. My strategy of thorough preparation, building consensus and respectful deliberation has led to achieving very positive outcomes. I have assisted or authored initiatives including a 20% increase to Senior Property Tax Relief, a budget tax increase of only 3.09%, and a comprehensive Short Term Rental Ordinance. The next few years will be challenging. I believe my experience and commitment will serve the Town effectively.
What is the biggest challenge facing your town/county? The biggest opportunity?
Scarborough continues to face challenges around balancing growth with increased costs of supporting that growth. Taxpayers have generously supported school construction projects, increases in public safety staffing and numerous infrastructure projects. Last year, we passed high impact fees for housing development, but the costs still outpace the revenues. The opportunity is to embrace growth that adds value to the affordability of the town, while methodically spending on impactful improvements.
If you could change one thing about how the town/county functions, what would it be and why?
One thing I would change is increasing efforts to receive input from the community. There have been many times that my vote on the Council has been directly impacted by hearing the perspectives of fellow residents. Our "Conversations with Councilors" program has been rewarding as councilors meet directly with residents in various locations around town. One new effort will be a "flash vote" survey tool that the Town will introduce for single topic feedback through online engagement.
Do you support more development – i.e. more housing construction and business building in your town/county? Why or why not?
I understand that our town needs smart development to expand the housing opportunities available to seniors looking to age in place, and to young people. New state laws dictate some higher density housing. Town staff are working on zoning updates to mitigate those impacts. Higher density does bring lower costs as the homes are smaller and the land cost per home is less. However, I do not believe the town needs to offer financial incentives to developers.