Rec & Parks commissioner for five years, board member of Manna Project of the North Shore, medical sales representative
If re-elected, what are your goals for your term?
If re-elected, I would like to continue working on the Reynolds Project with the other commissioners. Open the new Memorial Park. I would love to look at replacing that exercise trail down at Seaside and build a dog park at Coffin if we are able to keep some of that property under town ownership.
What skills/experience do you bring to the table?
I listen to all sides. I want to hear everyone’s ideas. I strongly dislike the phrase “We have always done it this way” as a reason not to change. I work hard and believe we work best when we work together.”
If there’s one thing you could change about Marblehead’s recreation programs and parks with a magic wand, what would it be?
More staff. Our budget over the last 12 or so years has either been level-funded or reduced funding. While I think the staff is exceptional, I can only imagine what we could accomplish with two more. Either that or a recreation facility at Eveleth. That way, the COA can support the seniors all day and evenings at Jacobi Community Center and Recreation could provide programming all day and evenings too. Sorry, I had two wishes.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Rec & Parks?
The biggest challenge I would say is the budget. A bigger budget allows for more staff. We have eight staff to manage 70 properties, line and prep the sports fields, manage public restrooms and playgrounds, prep the beach, close the beach, rake the leaves, prep and cover the fields for the winter and many other duties.
What’s your favorite park in town? What about your favorite recreation program over the years?
The dog park. With over 3,000 dogs in town, having a place where dogs can socialize and run free (while contained) makes for a happy dog. Having a dog park that is accessible for all people would be my new favorite park. The best recreation program is, hands down, the Scarecrow Stroll. It is a family experience where kids of all ages can enjoy the different scarecrows designed by individuals and communities. Families can “stroll” at their own pace, bring lunch and picnic on the beach. Sounds fun, right?
