Penobscot Bay Pilot has posed questions to each candidate running for the Thomaston Select Board, providing the opportunity for the public to better understand their position on issues important to the town and region. The candidate responses are posted as they are returned, and are collected on the Pilot’s June Town Meeting/Elections Resource Page.

Sandra ‘Sandy’ Moore

My name is Sandra “Sandy” Moore and I am currently running for an open seat on the Thomaston Select Board.  My family has been in Thomaston for two centuries, they include a Select Board member, policeman, constable and truant officer.   They worked in Thomaston as boat builders, farmers, fishermen, carpenters and electricians.  

My father was raised in Thomaston joining the Service out of high school; this determined where I was born and raised.  I was born on Mitchel Air Force Base, Long Island, N.Y., but we didn’t stay there long as I lived in Thomaston, several Air Force Bases in Massachusetts, Germany, and Virginia by the time I was 10.  My father died a month before I started seventh grade and my mother decided to stay in Virginia where we owned a home. 

I finished high school at Edison High School in Fairfax County, Virginia. 

After high school I worked for several companies, an animal hospital for 11 years, a roofing and siding company where I advanced to assistant manager and then a district position.  During this time I attended and then graduated from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with a degree in business and minor in psychology. 

While working and attending college I also was raising two wonderful sons.  After college I went on to work for BJ’s Wholesale Club as an outside sales representative.  Soon I was promoted to a regional sales position with the company.  I stayed with BJ’s until I retired in 2017. 

During these years I was very active in politics in Virginia supporting the candidates by fund raising, campaigning and assisting in training and education for the parties.  

In 2007, I bought a house in Thomaston spending as much time as possible in Maine.  When I retired I moved to Thomaston full time; I smile when I think of the flowers and note I received from my son as I moved into my house, “welcome home.”  

Today I enjoy the volunteer work I do. I am active in the Rockland Kiwanis Group, being awarded one of two leadership awards my first year there, a council member at the Federated Church, and a board member of the Thomaston Historical Society, concentrating on veterans. 

Last year I organized a very successful 1st Salute to Veterans event here in Thomaston.  The planning for the 2nd Salute to Veterans event is underway.  

I am now on the Thomaston Bicentennial Committee.   For more information on the Salute to Veterans event here is a link to the Pen Bay Pilot article.

All my years raised in a military household taught me the basis to succeed.  My experience, career and education took me further as a data-driven decision maker and exceptional communicator with ability to balance tact and diplomacy with integrity and responsibility.  I am reliable, organized and productive as seen in the longevity, promotion and continued merit in my career and volunteer work I do now.  

2)   What are the 3 most pressing issues facing Thomaston today, and how would you like to see them resolved.

1. The issue of the disbandment of Thomaston Police Department, or to contract with Knox County Sheriffs Depart is a very important matter that the people of Thomaston are concerned about.  Keeping Thomaston a safe, friendly town is important. The town will vote on this matter on June 11.  

2. Main Street construction is an issue that has concerned the town people for years, as RT 1 was improved and construction behind the business block is now underway.  Informing the people of Thomaston of development before it starts and keeping everyone up-to-date during the stages of construction is so important.  Finding more ways to communicate the changes could resolve some of the concern.
3. Business in Thomaston is certainly an issue.  What type/kind of businesses do we allow on Main Street vs. allowing business on the outskirts of Thomaston by Wal-Mart.  

     Note:  Groups have been formed and people are discussing all these issues and more.  We have started talking, but we need to keep the right action going.

3)  How will you protect the Thomaston taxpayer as you shape and govern a municipal budget, and juggle various interests that request municipal funding throughout the year?

No one wants to see their taxes increase.  Each interest still needs to be reviewed in detail and discussed at the different stages.  As these needs change what can we do to review funding, are these interests that can be supported by a different source, in a different way.  Town meetings are so important and have been received well.  

4) What is your vision for the Watts Block?

 As a child I remember walking from Erin Street to the Watts Block to buy a gift, or drink a milk shake, or get bread.  We need to bring back independent owned businesses to this area and bring back business that we will shop.  I believe Watts Hall is an added asset to our community.  It feels great to sit in Watts Hall and be part of history while listening to a speaker, participating in a meeting, or watching a local performance.  The Hall speaks for itself.  

5) What is your opinion of the Municipal Facility Relocation proposal to the Lura Libby campus?

I am one for improvement, but we need to be careful that we don’t change our town.  We can’t stop growth and moving to the Lura Libby campus is growth with growing pains.

6) How do you see Thomaston positioned in the larger regional Midcoast economy?

Communicating with other towns and groups; keeping abreast of the wants and changes as they happen around us.  We need to guard, but with an open mind, our waterways, roads, resources and tourism which are affected.

7) Is Thomaston's zoning adequate enough to sustain economic vitality and quality of life?

Currently we are in a changing economy.  Our river and resources are so important to this town, but as the environment changes we need to watch our resources carefully.  We do have a system where people can explain, petition the different committees and/or select board.

8) Does Thomaston need its own police department or should the town contract with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office?

The people will vote on June 11.  After attending the town meeting on April 29, it was evident that the people in Thomaston have so many reasons to keep the Thomaston Police Department.  Speaker after speaker gave reasons.  It comes down to knowing who is protecting and helping our town.

9) How should Thomaston resolve its mounting issues with its municipal ambulance service?

We have already started discussing our ambulance service.  We have designated a group of people to find solutions to our issue.  The people in Thomaston need to be kept informed. 

10) Free space for anything else you’d like voters to know about you and your positions on municipal issues!

I have years of experience sitting in on meetings and listening, asking questions and forming a collaborative solution.  One of my strong points is to not ‘just’ voice a change, or opinion, but to back it with facts, whether numerical or by research.   

See the Thomaston Historical Society, Spring issue, “Meet our Chair of Veterans Projects – Sandra Moore”

Thomaston people are proud; we need to protect that pride.  I feel my seat on the Thomaston Select Board will be a voice for the people of Thomaston.