By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — In the Town of Naples, one person took out papers for the solo seat on the Naples Select Board.

Despite there not being any challengers, The Bridgton News felt Arleen Shepherd has strong ties to the people of Naples and the unique landscape since she and her family operate Camp Skylemar, which is located on Tricky Pond.

In the past several years, Shepherd has been getting her feet wet with town politics. She has volunteered her time with several town committee. Also, she has attended select board meetings on a regular basis. Now is the time to experience sitting on the other side of the board table, she said.

Bridgton News: Who is Arleen Shepherd?

Shepherd: I’m proud to be a Naples business owner for over 40 years, and come from the perspective of a former seasonal and current year-round resident. My husband of 34 years, Patrick Shepherd “Shep,” along with our four adult children, direct Camp Skylemar. Ours is a family of educators, with a passion for doing what we can to make a positive difference in the worlds.

My involvement includes the Naples Community Resource Council and the Parks and Land Use Committee, and I volunteer weekly at the food pantry. I’m a board member of Trickey Pond Environmental Association and MSC, the non-profit which represents 140 summer camps in Maine. Our business supports Lake Region High School, Crooked River Elementary and Songo Locks School with the use of facilities and by providing scholarship opportunities.

Over the past five years, I’ve become attentive and involved with town management, and watched just about every Select Board meeting. I’ve created written plans and proposals to the town on several occasions, such as for the holiday décor, which was put into effect this past winter.

Bridgton News: Why are you running for Naples Select Board?

Shepherd: Naples is the greatest town in the country, and I feel fortunate to be a resident here. I care tremendously about Naples, and believe it’s my responsibility to come up with solutions to issues as opposed to just complaining about them. I believe in the power of face-to-face relationships, and have come to know some extremely dedicated Town employees and volunteers. My hope is to open up the lines of communication between residents and town management, so that there is a greater sense of understanding and involvement.

I believe that all sides should be considered when making decisions, and intend to do my best at being prepared and knowledgeable about the issues. I’m also eager to learn about town topics that I’m unfamiliar with as well. The greater good for the community matters, but I will also never lose sight of helping those in need.

Bridgton News: What are the most pressing issues facing Naples?

Shepherd: We have a responsibility for all who live in Naples, no matter the location. Nevertheless, it’s the charming look and feel of Naples that brings in tourists, which keeps many of our businesses afloat. The Causeway, with lakes on both sides, is what makes Naples magical and makes us a destination. It is critical that we keep our Naples Village, as well as the lakes, in immaculate shape.

Residents take great pride in our small-town charm, and we must extend visual appeal heading north with the Village Green and Kents Landing, and to the South with the Legion Fields. These four locations are cornerstones, and beautiful surroundings support community connection.

As a business owner myself, I’m not a fan of restrictive regulations. But I do believe that it’s the responsibility of business to support the town, both esthetically and with community involvement. We need additional business-owners here who believe in doing the right thing.

Communication and sense of community go hand-in-hand, and I believe this is something we should focus on. We need the community center/gym built, we need to communicate with residents regularly about both the “what” and the “whys” when it comes to decisions made by the Select Board, and we need to encourage more residents to get involved. We also need to communicate better about what’s going on in the community, via the Bridgton News, website and traditional bulletin board. I plan to host weekly “listening hours” for any taxpayer who wishes to share a concern, and not just depend on what a vocal handful have to say. The more community involvement the better, so I encourage all to vote and be a part of the problem-solving team.

Bridgton News: What skills and experiences do you have that would complement the currently seated Select Board?

Shepherd: I have great respect for the strengths of each member of the current Select Board. My background in communication and attention to detail will be helpful to the team, and I intend to ask questions that will help to address those that others might have. For example, I’ll shed light on what improvements really cost, what a few pennies increase of the mil rate actually means, and how to achieve a balance between the tax rate vs the level of services and support.

Beginning in September, I will host weekly listening hours at the Town Hall, and will do my best to manage a plan for better communication and public relations.