Why are you seeking the select board nomination? 

I was born and raised in Bethel and as an adult have decided to make it my permanent home. I have watched the town grow and change over the years, mostly for the better. Being a member of the Select Board is an opportunity to impact that change, most importantly it is an opportunity for me to give back to a town that has given me so much.

 What do you think are some important issues facing the Town of Bethel?

Bethel, like all towns, has many  issues to undertake each year. Specific topics to pay attention to are taxes, property rights, planning and development, public safety, the school district, public utilities and the highway department. Bethel is lucky to have many good leaders and employees within the town who make dealing with these issues much easier however each respective area has its unique challenges and problems that arise each year. Being on the Select Board it is important to understand the intricacies of each problem that arises, take time to evaluate the problem, evaluate all possible solutions and make the best decision possible.

Does Bethel overspend or underspend and, where should reductions/increases be ?

The simple answer to this question is yes. Like many towns, Bethel overspends in some areas and underspends in others. Each year, it is important for the select board and budget committee to go over the budget for each department (preferably with the department head present) and ensure that all tax dollars are being spent wisely. It is important for the board to listen to the department heads and consider their advice at all times.

I would like to see the Town cut back on funding organizations outside the town government. Last year, the town warrant was full of organizations asking for money. I want to be clear, I support many of these organizations on a personal level. However, when we spend tax dollars, we are spending the money of people who can afford it as well as those who can’t. I encourage anyone who can afford it to support these organizations in any way possible if they so choose, but I do not believe it is appropriate to collect taxes to do so.

What is your experience with community organizations, and have you held positions in any organizations? 

I have been a member of the Bethel Fire Department since 2006. During my tenure there, I held the rank of lieutenant for a combined seven years; I now serve as a firefighter. I have been a member of Bethel Rescue as an ambulance driver since 2010. While not as active as I have been in the past, I still take overnight shifts when possible. I coached two seasons of Telstar Middle School JV baseball.

What town board positions have you held?

I served 4 years on the select board in Bethel from 2016 through 2019.

Please offer any other information you would like to add.

My adult life has been dedicated to public service. In addition to working as a firefighter and ambulance driver in Bethel, I worked as a deputy, detective, and corporal for the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office from 2013 through the end of 2019; I spent much of this time patrolling the greater Bethel area. In 2019, I accepted a position at the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office, where I currently hold the title of Senior Fire Investigator and have the pleasure of working with my partner, Accelerant Detection K9 Cheeto.

In addition to public safety roles, I owned and operated a successful local business (Mountain Mowing & More) along with my two business partners, Mark Kenney and Danny Whitney. Mountain Mowing & More enjoyed tremendous success in the area for nearly a decade. Recently, due to our ever-progressing careers and lack of time, we closed the business.

My lengthy involvement in public service covers a variety of careers and has allowed me to gain knowledge of the town government from a variety of angles. Serving on the select board is yet another opportunity to influence and help the community I care for so deeply. I believe my extensive service in public safety and experience as a business owner and employer will serve me, and more importantly, the town of Bethel well on the select board.