Contact information: dcnorwood@gmail.com
Occupation: Carpenter/Builder
Family you’d like to mention: I live in Southwest Harbor with my wife, Bonnie. I have 2 daughters, 3 step-sons and families, and 3 grandchildren.
Previous public office positions or appointments:
SWH School Board
SWH Harbor Committee
SWH Shellfish Conservation Committee
SWH Select Board
THE QUESTIONS
Why are you hoping to be on the Southwest Harbor Select Board?
I previously served on the select board for 9 years and have a good understanding of local government and the issues our town is facing. We are in a crucial time where decisions that affect our entire community need to be made with expedience.
What do you see as the top issues facing Southwest Harbor and how would your presence on the board help with those issues?
I feel it is extremely important that we all work together to build a sustainable future for our town. We are facing many challenges including necessary repairs and improvement to our infrastructure and at the same time working to attract more year-round businesses to maintain a vibrant economy beyond the tourist season.
Dovetailing in with a growing economy, we need to look at different ways of helping our communities to establish affordable workforce and family housing. It is vital that we have a good capital improvement plan. As we witnessed last winter, we need to be prepared and plan ahead to build resilience within our town to our changing climate.
Can you speak to tax increases in town and how those with fixed incomes can handle them?
Over the last few years, we have all seen our taxes increase substantially. The cost of housing has skyrocketed and many of the homes have been sold to summer/weekly rentals. It is imperative that we listen to all ideas and not approach with agendas. Collaborative problem-solving for creative solutions is necessary. In efforts to mitigate tax increases to our town, the select board needs to look at innovative ways of having our summer visitors help with some of these budgeted items. The increased numbers of visitors increase the demands on our solid waste disposal, water, sewer, harbor, Fire, EMS, and Police Departments. We need to work together in a positive manner as we look to the future.
I am an independent thinker and a good listener, and I look forward to the opportunity of implementing fair, strong policies for the citizens of Southwest Harbor. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at dcnorwood@gmail.com.