My family and I relocated to Kennebunk in 1994 as a result of a job change and I immediately began to explore opportunities to serve the community and help shape its future.

For nearly 15 years I have been actively serving Kennebunk as a member of the site plan review board that reviews and approves business property development and changes.

During my years of service we have entertained a number of diverse projects involving new and expanding businesses in Kennebunk – some more routine and other not so much. My voting record has been characterized as independent and no-nonsense – cutting through red tape issues to further the good of the community and applicant together. Balancing the interests of the town with consideration for commercial growth and development while protecting the residential nature of our community has been critical in returning to and sustaining the vibrant downtown that we have enjoyed in the past. A vibrant downtown is the centerpiece of a growing and healthy community.

Board involvement has been both informative and interesting as a small business owner in town, allowing a first-hand look at the challenges facing businesses both large and small that are developing or moving to the community. As the owner of Consumers First Mortgage it has been important to me, for example, that sound commercial development continue to assure continued residential activity.

My interest in community service and concern for the future of our community are the reasons I am seeking a seat as a write-in candidate on the Kennebunk Board of Selectmen.

I have been married to my wife, Marie, for 33 years and we have three wonderful adult sons. The latter two attended Kennebunk schools and continue to reside in Kennebunk. I was a police officer early in my adult life, moving to a banking career in 1979. I ended my banking career as a senior officer with a local bank. For the past nine-plus years I have owned and operated Consumers First Mortgage.

My other interests include coaching youth and middle school hockey, serving on the Kennebunk hockey booster board and instructing monthly for hoMEworks first time buyer education.

I am a fiscal conservative, however, as a former municipal employee I also understand the challenges of developing loyal and talented employees within budget constraints. My priorities remain to limit unnecessary spending while maintaining services essential to a prosperous and growing community. It will take creativity, open mindedness and hard work. Our leaders should have an open door policy and encourage citizen participation and input. My door as well as my ears and mind will always be open to your thoughts – both positive and negative.

Please consider me, Richard Morin, a candidate for selectman. Write my name on the ballot line and check the box adjacent to it.

Richard Morin

Kennebunk