Dan Leader for Castine Select Board

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Dan Leader for Castine Select Board

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ISSUES FACING OUR TOWN

Infrastructure

We are faced with immediate critical upgrades to our infrastructure. For example, our aging water system recently lost twenty percent of its volume due to a water main break and a faulty valve. Our sewer system has three critical pumps that could fail at any time, as they are decades past their projected life. Castine absolutely must have both reliable water and sewer systems.

Climate change is expected to have serious consequences for Castine, affecting the waterfront, British Canal, and our beach. We must plan for the changes and threats to our community, then prepare and execute solutions.

We don’t have the luxury of putting off our infrastructure challenges; the time for action is past due.

Community Services

Firehouse—Our firehouse is antiquated and just able to serve the needs of the community. In addition, we will likely be faced with having a paid staff to compliment the hardworking volunteers from MMA and our community. There is no doubt that we need a fire station that meets the needs of the town. Working together we will find an effective and affordable solution.

Childhood Learning Place—What is an incredible resource to the community is faced with several challenges impacting the ability to provide the services envisioned. Together we can ensure its long-term success for young families and their children.

Housing

Castine needs work force housing for families employed by our academic institutions and businesses. Today, it is nearly impossible for working families to live in our town.

How can we effectively leverage legislation and private and public partnerships to support the need?

The State deadline for Accessory Dwelling Units has been extended to allow towns to rewrite zoning ordinances. This is an important effort to help make a dent in the housing crisis. To be effective, we need to have the right plan in place. This requires thoughtful zoning and consistent enforcement.

Economic Development

Once home to 9 restaurants, many retail stores, and two car dealerships. Today Castine underserves its population with limited resources. Over the years, Castine has lost many businesses and the Select Board needs to explore and implement ways to attract and retain local business to serve our community.

EXPERIENCE

I studied philosophy at the University of Wisconsin and went on to graduate from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. After working in some of New York City’s top kitchens, I left the restaurant world to learn the art of baking bread. A pioneer in the wilderness, I opened an organic bakery, Bread Alone, in 1983 and retired in 2019. Although I am still involved with the business, Bread Alone is captained by my son, Nels. The business operates three cafe bakeries and has a 26,000 sq ft certified climate neutral production center which supports thousands of organic acres. Bread Alone has a staff of over 200. In 1993, I published Bread Alone cookbook and then in 2011 Local Breads, both IACP winners. My latest book Living Bread won a James Beard award.

Community/Governance: I currently serve on the development board of State University New York and the advisory board of The Bank of Greene County. Through my work travels, I established two community-based bakeries to help satisfy the dietary needs of malnourished adults and children in South Africa. These programs are designed to encourage income generation opportunities for South Africans living with HIV/AIDS.

I will dedicate all I have learned in my businesses and work in my past communities to help solve the today’s issues and those facing Castine in the coming years. My wife Julie and I love living here in this town, and want to help. I hope to have an opportunity to serve you.