Neighborhood: Leighton Farms
In Scarborough since: 2017
Moved here from: Washington, D.C. metro area
Grew up in: Manassas, Virginia
What brought you here?
We were living outside of D.C. and I was commuting 1.5 hours each way to work. I would leave before the kids were up and get back at their bedtime. I was doing well professionally but I began to question my quality of life. My wife grew up in Cape Elizabeth so we began thinking about opportunities in this area. Luckily, I got a job at IDEXX. We considered other towns and chose Scarborough because we like the diversity of the population, quality schools, proximity to the beaches, and the ease of getting to other locations in the Greater Portland Area.
Where were you working in D.C.?
I worked for the General Services Administration, the agency that provides acquisition and public building services to other federal agencies. I was part of the finance team for the presidential transition between Bush and Obama. I also spent a year and a half helping NASA create a strategic plan. I loved it but I did not have the quality of life I wanted for myself and my family.
What about Scarborough stood out when you first got here?
Where I grew up, people identify as residents of the D.C. area and the towns don’t have strong identities. I liked how proud people are of Scarborough. And they should be – it’s a great place. We love the beaches and the trails. All those assets really stood out during COVID when we walked almost every day.
What’s your favorite trail?
Pleasant Hill Preserve
Favorite beach?
Pine Point
Has there been a moment that to you represents the best of Scarborough?
I can’t think of a single moment, but I feel good about Scarborough when I see how happy my children are. There’s so much here for them and we’ve met so many wonderful people.
How is working at IDEXX?
IDEXX is an amazing company to work for. It’s very mission-driven and there are a lot of opportunities. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.
Why did you run for Town Council?
I met Jillian Trapini-Huff (a current school board member) and talking with her ignited a desire to get involved in local politics. Rather than sit online and vent, which is easy, I decided to get involved. At first it was uncomfortable. I’m an introvert and hadn’t run for anything since losing a race for class treasurer in fourth grade.
How has being on Town Council been?
It’s been a wonderful experience and I’m excited to serve another three years. The last few months have been harder because of the ballot initiatives and being Chair.
What about Town Council work do you think would most surprise people?
Some weeks we get more emails from people in Scarborough, U.K. then from our own residents. In general, participation is pretty low. Because we have so much impact locally on everyone’s day to day lives, I’m surprised more people aren’t more actively involved. The staff and volunteers we do have on our committees are committed to our community and they are wonderful people.
What is your greatest hope for Scarborough?
As Scarborough evolves, I hope we become a united community. I hope we keep the unique character of our neighborhoods but come together as one. I also hope we can balance growth, housing affordability, and infrastructure investments, while keeping the mill rate low. It’s possible, but everyone will need to compromise.
What is something no one in town knows about you?
I speak Chinese. I wanted to be a CIA agent in college so I majored in East Asian Studies, learned Chinese, and spent time in China. I changed my mind when I learned the reality of what my life as an agent would be like, but those experiences gave me respect for cultural differences. Everyone has a different story and perspective, and they’re all worthy of respect.
You serve with April Sither on the Scarborough Town Council. What perspective does she bring to the table as a Scarborough native?
April embodies the values of this community. She is welcoming, kind, and focused on finding solutions that make our community better. I really admire her desire to genuinely listen to people and take deliberate action.
