Neighborhood: Northwest Scarborough (the last house before Buxton)

In Scarborough since: 2006

Where from?

Immediately before Scarborough we were in Cape Elizabeth, but I grew up in New Jersey, outside of Philadelphia.

Why did you choose Scarborough?

We were searching for land to grow our business and we found this property through FarmLink, a program of Maine Farmland Trust. At the time, I was a nurse midwife and I had to be within 30 minutes of Mercy Hospital in Portland, where I worked. We were on leased land in Cape Elizabeth and it wasn’t secure long-term.

You started farming vegetables and strawberries and now focus on cut flowers. Why the shift?

From a biological standpoint, flowers are much more interesting. There are only about seven families of vegetables (root, stem, leaf, pods, etc.). There are over 60 types of flowers – bulbs, shrubs, annuals, perennials, shrubs and bushes, trees. There’s a lot more variety.

What inspired you to run for State Senate?

I was recruited by a friend of mine, Heather Sanborn, who was a State Senator in Portland. It was the second time I’d been asked. I had served on a few boards but I didn’t see myself in the role. Eventually I agreed. I don’t think that’s uncommon for women – we need to be asked.

What surprised you most in Augusta?

People get along far more than they disagree. The bulk of the work we do in our committees is unanimously agreed upon. With patient, deliberate conversation, we find agreement.

I was also surprised by how meaningful it feels to help a constituent who is having a problem. Usually they’re having trouble with something and I make calls to help them navigate state government. That feels really good. It’s the best part of my job.

What’s it like being a state representative for the town where you live?

I don’t hear from people as much as I thought I would, and people don’t recognize me in person very often. People are busy. I almost wish I had more opportunities to have dialogue with folks. I want to hear more from people.

What’s your greatest hope for Scarborough?

I hope that as we grow and evolve we can do so with as much open dialogue and collective agreement as possible so that people have clarity about what and why decisions are being made. With patience and deliberateness, we can bring people along. No one wants to be a ‘no’ person but it’s hard to get to yes until you understand all the components of an issue and have been heard. The challenge is finding as many ways as possible to make people part of the collective decision-making process.

What to you represents the best of Scarborough?

There are so many things. I really love walking on Pine Point Beach in the summer in late afternoon when we people come out after work, with their dogs, having picnic dinners. I love seeing neighbors at the beach. I also love the first beautiful day in February when it’s bright and everyone shows up at the beach to enjoy the warmth. The water calls us all.

What’s something no one in town knows about you?

When I was going to grad school in Philadelphia, I was a single mom. I was grateful for the public safety net.