Martha Johnston-Nash and William “Bill” Lombardi will be seeking election to two selectman seats in the town of Union. Both have collected signatures and have been certified to be on the ballot, Lombardi for a three-year term, and Johnston-Nash for a two-year seat.

Lombardi is recently retired as owner/operator, with his wife, of a natural product brokerage serving New England. His background is primarily financial, having served over twenty-five years in investment positions with banking and investment management firms. Most notably, Lombardi retired with Morgan Stanley as a Vice President and managing over $400 million in client assets.

Lombardi's experience includes being chair of a town finance committee responsible for budgets for department heads, schools and staff. It was important he says, because "this position provided me with ample opportunity to practice disagreement without being disagreeable".

In addition, he holds a certificate in elementary education; has been involved in reading and mentoring students; and is a self-expression and leadership coach. He and his wife currently operate an organically certified farm and stand, which participates in Mainers Feeding Mainers, part of the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

Johnston-Nash is well-known in the area, having grown up in the neighboring town of Washington and attended all four years of high school at, and graduating from Union High School just before it closed in the late ‘60s.  She moved back to town in 2004 after living in nearby towns, in order to start and grow a successful business, Crowning Touch Embroidery.

“It was important for me to open my business in this town, because Union was where I wanted to live and help the community” Johnston-Nash explained. “I knew the town was strong economically and has a very good work ethic, and my business would be able to help other businesses and organizations become stronger with the promotional products I could provide. I have focused on those sectors of the industry for that reason.”

The years spent in other towns has provided a variety of experience for Johnston-Nash, with positions in administration and human resources management; safety training; permitting and regulatory oversight; insurance contracting; customer service and relations; special project development; and systems management.

Outside activities have included advisory positions at Maine Maritime Academy and the Capitol Area Technical Center; Board positions with Maine Marine Trades Assn, American Boatbuilders Assn, and Camden Rotary.

 Upon starting business in Union, she joined the faltering Chamber of Commerce and after joining the Board as Secretary, became President for three years, increasing membership three-fold. She continues to work with that organization as a board member.

The Union Municipal Election will be held July 14, which will include a ballot with the Municipal Budget.