Precinct 7
Tell us a little about yourself. You can include your personal background, family, outside interests that are important to who you are as a person and a candidate.
I grew up in Lexington and have lived here almost my entire life, attending our public schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Professionally, I am an attorney representing indigent criminal defendants in Maine. In my private life, I am an active volunteer editor on Wikipedia and am involved in a number of its committees and governance bodies. In addition to my human family in Lexington, I live with my bearded dragon. (See photograph; I shaved before it was taken so that you can tell who is who.)
How has your past experience — whether in your professional life, elected office, or as a community leader — prepared you for a role in Town Meeting?
Through my legal training, I am familiar with reading and analyzing statutes. The professional work I do has prepared me to be an advocate for those who otherwise lack a voice. My volunteering has given me experience collaborating with a diverse group of people from around the world. Running for Town Meeting last year and losing in a tie has reminded me that success sometimes takes a few tries. And finally, though I’m a bit older than I look, my age puts me in a generation that needs more representation in Town Meeting.
What is the most important issue in this election to you personally, and what ideas do you have about how to address this issue?
Our town has taken excellent steps in last few years on housing and environmental issues. For the Town Meeting agenda this year, I am particularly interested in the proposed changes to the noise control bylaw. I applied to join the town’s noise advisory committee last year. Unfortunately, that body remains defunct, though I have been told it will be reconstituted this year. In the meantime, I would like to make sure we don’t take any unnecessary steps back in protecting both our air and the health and quality of life of residents.