THE BIO
I’ve lived in Bar Harbor nearly my entire life, moving here when I was 4, leaving for college and re-discovering my love for the island when I moved back “for the summer” after graduating with a Bachelor of Science from Lesley University. It’s been 8 years since I came home for the summer and haven’t looked back. Being the Marketing and Administration Manager at Atlantic Brewing Company has allowed me to interact with all walks of life in this community. I originally joined the Warrant Committee in 2020 because I wanted to see more people my age in conversations about where this town was going in the future. I've delved deeper into that goal by being on the Comprehensive Planning Committee and I hope to continue this work on the Warrant Committee for 3 more years.
In my free time I’m hiking in Acadia, eating hot dogs and listening to Steely Dan.
THE QUESTIONS
Why are you running? How does your why for running delve into your bigger life purpose?
Running as an incumbent with 3 budget seasons under my belt on The Warrant Committee, at this point I really think I’ve grown as a committee member and understand the process well. I’ve seen the committee through the charter changes and have helped adapt and change to the new systems of the town budget process. I live in this town and want to help to make it move livable for others, especially those in my age range that may not be as engaged in town government as I am. I feel it’s important for this demographic to have a voice and I’m honored to be a part of it.
The last year or so the news has been full of cruise ships, short-term rentals, and affordable housing. This isn’t saying that those aren’t all tremendously important, but what are some of the things that we might not be focusing on as a town that needs to be focused on instead?
I think the town infrastructure is a big one that isn’t being talked about as much as it should be. Hearing the last few years of presentations from Public Works (who are doing an incredible job with what they are being given) has really shown me that infrastructure was not at the forefront. We were built as a small town and we are turned into a city every year at peak season, which is not sustainable.
There’s a school bond on the ballot and a school that’s in dire need of repair. How have you educated yourself on the potential reconstruction of the school and what are your thoughts on how the council, the Warrant Committee, the town, and Conners Emerson School Board can work together to lessen the tax implication for the residents?
Having been on the Warrant Committee, especially this past season, we’ve had many talks at meetings, and presentations from school and town officials about the bond, so I feel well versed in the topic. I think it’s obviously very daunting and not what anyone is excited about, but the school needs it desperately. While I think consolidation should still be a consideration, we can’t put this off any longer.
What have you done for yourself that you’re the most proud of? What have you done for the community that you’re the most proud of?
It was nerve wracking to put myself out there and apply to join the Warrant Committee for the first time as a 25 year old, but I’m proud and glad that I did it to learn more about my town and to serve as a voice for younger folks that want to set down deeper roots in this town! I also made a beer for the Pink Boots Society, called Sass Kicker, which was pretty cool!
The Warrant Committee considers, investigates and reports on all of the election warrant articles except for the candidates for Town Meeting. What particular skills do you have that you think will help you perform that role?
Again, running as an incumbent I believe my experience with the Warrant Committee has made me understand the process and the lingo in a way that makes me a valuable asset to the committee. In my time on Warrant I’ve been on The General Government Subcommittee, (focusing primarily on LUOs and Warrant Articles versus budget lines), the Public Safety Subcommittee, and most recently the newly formed Public Infrastructure Subcommittee. This, along with my work on the Comprehensive Planning Committee, makes me well versed in what is going on in this town as well as how the town is working to address issues. I’ve learned a lot in my years on this committee and I’m looking forward to using the knowledge I’ve gained in the future.