Fourteen candidates are running for nine seats on the Martha’s Vineyard Commission. The Gazette emailed questions to all the candidates asking them about their reasons for running, qualifications, and to speak to the unique mission of the 41-year-old regional planning agency.

Robert M. Doyle
Town: Chilmark
Occupation: Retired

Reason for Running

I believe in the mission of the commission.

Qualifications

My early career was in banking and real estate. My second career was as a substance abuse counselor. On the Vineyard I served on finance committees in Tisbury, Tisbury affordable housing committee, and Tisbury waterways. Currently I am on the board of advisors to Vineyard House, the Martha’s Vineyard Youth Task Force, and the finance committee of YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard.

Commission’s Unique Mission

Any organization should work to improve its performance. The MVC is reviewing its standards for nitrogen’s negative effects on the ponds and estuaries and is actively working on affordable housing. I believe that water quality and affordable housing are the challenges that the Island faces and that the MVC can assist in meeting these challenges.

Available Time Commitment

15-20 hours/month.