Government

Select Board candidate for 1 year term

Scott Doyle joins three other candidates seeking election to complete the term of George Colby. Scott Doyle’s candidate profile follows. To see profiles of his fellow one-year term candidates Linda Chase, Brian Shedlarski, and Dustin Ward, previously posted on NGX, click here.

Scott Doyle

Occupation: Insurance Agent
Education: Associates Degree in Law Enforcement
Community organizations/ service: New Gloucester Fire & Rescue for 23.5 years, Community Fair director 2001-2008, Fairgrounds Committee
Interests/ hobbies: I enjoy working outside and being involved in my children’s activities.
Family status: Married with two boys

Q: Why do you want to serve on the select board? What experience and expertise do you bring to this role? 
A: I am running for Board of Selectmen as I have seen an extreme need for change in OUR town. I have seen several years (10+) where the citizens are not being listened to, or just blatantly ignored. When questions are asked to the board, a transparent answer would be nice to see and hear and not what they feel like telling you, whether agreed or disagreed. Citizens feel like most of them do not think for themselves, which places doubt in their abilities.

Q: What are the three most critical issues facing the town, and how would you like the board to address them?
A: 1. Sensible spending: An analytical review of each department needs to be conducted to see if the town has too much or too little in each department. Are the services being managed to the best of their abilities. 2. Services: I feel as though we do not get the level of service that we pay for as citizens and tax payers. This is wrong and can be fixed! Our community values having it’s hard working citizens employed within our local government. When a department head that lives in town pitches for a budget increase, it impacts their pockets as much as yours and mine. We don’t have that here, anymore. More citizens have left these jobs in the last 2 years due to lack of morale and ethics. 3. Lack of transparency: I hear several neighborhoods in town that are upset about projects. The citizens have the right to be upset when they don’t get answers, at all. Not many are looking to have it “their way” but would like to know how it got to where it is today. You will only hear what they want you to hear.

Q: The town has experienced considerable staff turnover, including in town managers. In light of this, what should the new town manager’s initial priorities be and how would you support them in their role?
A: The Town Manager is only as good as the Board above them. I am grateful to see a Town Manager in place, today, that has REAL Town Managing experience. We have not seen that since 2008. New Gloucester needs leaders that will attract strong community involvement, again and happy employees. Problems tend start at the top of organizations. If you want problems to be addressed and dealt with, change the top, to change the outcome. I would like to be part of the change and team to make this happen.