Age: 63
Hometown: Presque Isle
What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned? I started by serving three years on the Zoning Board.
I was elected to three terms on the Presque Isle City Council. There I served as deputy chair for one year and as chair for a year. I am currently on the Zoning Board as the deputy chair. I have served the people of the city of Presque Isle for 16 years.
What is your career background? I have spent 30 years in retail management in Presque Isle where I have gotten to know the people I work with and live with. For the last six years I have been employed at DFAS.
What made you decide to run for this office? When was the last time you had a chance to actually stop and talk to a city councilor or senior staff? The leadership of the council appears to be weak, ineffective and completely out of touch with the citizens of Presque Isle. There is a serious lack of common sense and the understanding of heritage, history and traditions of Presque Isle. It does appear that the council’s answer to most issues is to see who or what they can cut and slash to make budget.
What do you see as the most important issue facing Aroostook County? Infrastructure – we need a good way to get the quality products we grow and produce to market and to get the goods and products we need to the County.
What do you see as your primary goal, if elected? There are many issues but I think the first thing that needs to be addressed is a re-evaluation of the pay-as-you-throw policy. The hard questions have to be asked. Is it costing us more now with PAYT. Where are the big bucks we were supposed to make on the recycling. I would push for an open forum with city leaders giving the citizens a complete and honest answer as to where we are saving and where is it costing. We need to give the Fire and Police the tools and manpower to protect and serve the citizens. Cut and slash probably is not the way to go. Do not underestimate the people of the city, for their safety and the safety of their families they will be willing to pay a little more.
