Address: 51 Union St., Boothbay Harbor

Occupation: Owner, Linekin Home Property Services, Retired Executive, Life/Safety Industry

Education: USAF School for Applied Aerospace Technology – Electronics

Political History (Boards, Committees): Boothbay Railway Village, board member; Boothbay Region Ambulance Service, board member; Boothbay Lights, committee member

Clubs/Organizations: USAF Veteran

Considering the position you are running for, what do you feel are the three most pressing issues?

The three most important challenges facing this community is the future of our schools, growing our local economy and attracting young families to the region. A strong school system is the foundation of any community and ours is in trouble. We face millions of dollars in deferred maintenance and have considerable excess capacity in our physical infrastructure and no real plan on how to address escalating costs against declining enrollment. Solutions will take courageous leadership, community involvement, creative thinking and a plan that fixes the constraints of our school charter.

We have significant infrastructure issues that will require new tax dollars. I believe there is tremendous opportunity to raise new revenue by expanding our tax base through supporting business growth. We must act now while our state and national economies remain strong. Town leaders should be welcoming all types of businesses and create an open environment where people feel welcomed and supported as they navigate the challenges of expanding, relocating or even starting a business. Accomplishing this requires a mix of positive attitude, salesmanship and sweat equity – three of my strongest leadership traits!

People want to live where they work so we need to ensure that we have a welcoming, year-round community, a good economy, current amenities and excellent schools. The mobile workforce (people who work from home) provides real opportunity to attract young families to our region but we will need to demonstrate a handle on our current challenges and a plan for a sustainable future to win hearts and minds of those folks. We need to work with Boothbay to address our housing needs including revamping ordinances to incent alternative housing solutions like apartments and cluster housing. These solutions will require expanded town utilities but funding sources can be identified with strong leadership and creative thinking.

Any other thoughts on why you are running or what you can bring to the office?

As a lifelong business person, I know nothing in life is “free.” Our community has real infrastructure issues that will require millions of dollars to address. We have a large elderly community on fixed incomes who will be affected by tax increases. It is the responsibility of the Board of Selectmen to weigh the community “wants” and needs versus our income and collaborate to find solutions. I am a husband, father, grandfather, veteran and a small-town guy who loves being part of a community. I work hard and get tremendous satisfaction out of helping others achieve their goals. I value authenticity, integrity, honor and teamwork. I am genuinely concerned with the challenges facing our community and I know I can bring ideas, focus and energy to the Board of Selectmen and the future of Boothbay Harbor. Please allow me the chance to serve by voting for Tom Minerich on May 3.