The following represents the candidate’s responses to the Current’s Light Commission-specific questions. Jump back to Election Guide
Years in Marblehead: 69 years
Occupation/education: master electrical contractor/owner of Homan Electric (40+ years); retired Marblehead firefighter; Coin Electrical School and Marblehead Class of 1973
Appointed positions and/or elected offices: Marblehead Electric Light Department for 15 years
What are the most significant issues facing the Light Department, and how would you address them if elected?
Currently, staffing is an issue at MMLD, recruiting new linemen, engineers and other essential staff to support the goals of the Light Department.
For years now, there has been an ongoing discussion about the installation of solar panels on public buildings. Do you feel this is a good move? Why or why not?
I would support the installation of solar panels on public buildings in order to reduce the use of fossil fuels, but also to reduce the risk of rolling brownouts to help alleviate the grid during peak times.
How can the Light Department reduce its dependence on fossil fuels?
We at the MMLD can help reduce its dependency of fossil fuels by research and education of the various renewable energies and how they can best serve the Marblehead rate payers.
Some people believe there’s a divide in the Light Department between those who favor traditional methods and those pushing for more environmentally-friendly practices. Do you agree with this view? If so, how would you propose to bring these two sides together?
Unfortunately, I do agree with the divide in the Light Department. As with any office that brings two different ideas together there can be a power struggle. However, there is no reason why the two groups can’t be willing and show respect for others’ ideas while sharing the same goals. The goal being the rate payers and how we as the elected officials of the MMLD best serve this town. It is safe to say that we are moving in the direction of sustainable energies, and we need people with the education and knowledge of these energies to help with the education of not just the Board members but the townspeople as well.