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.

Susan Desmarais
Town: Oak Bluffs
Occupation: Retired health care 
professional

Reason for Running

I’m a lifelong conservationist and environmentalist. Since moving to this Island I’ve been determined to help safeguard our community. I saw firsthand what development without thoughtful oversight and long range planning did to my hometown of Scituate. I know that’s why I fought the Down Island Golf club with such fervor. Then campaigned to ensure Oak Bluffs did not leave the MVC.

We need people who are committed to seeing development examined in a thoughtful, multifaceted way. Our ecosystem is fragile and must be safeguarded. Our aquifer and ponds have to be protected. And we must plan for growth which allows year-round residents to live here, raise families and retire. Development needs to be looked at holistically, both for the current generation and for those who will follow us.

As a long-term political activist and volunteer, I know how demanding serving in public office can be. I’m at a place in my life where I have time and energy to serve and all that entails.

Qualifications

From my years as a counselor I have developed strong communication, organizational and planning skills. I have worked at Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, the Edgartown Council on Aging and Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard. Having the ability to listen to varied viewpoints, while knowing what one’s own biases are is critical to being an effective counselor who works with integrity.

As a lifelong volunteer and political activist I have consistently given time and energy to many organizations. I served on my neighborhood association as treasurer then president. I also served on the Dukes County Health Council and as a Wastewater commissioner in Oak Bluffs. Working on political campaigns both for candidates and environmental issues at the local, state and federal levels has given me depth and breadth of experience of serving on boards.

I currently serve on the boards of the Vineyard Birth Collective and Friends of Family Planning.

Commission’s Unique Mission

Overall, I believe the MVC has done a good job executing their mission. And I respectfully appreciate the time each commissioner has devoted to that task. With that said, I believe that change can be a good thing for organizations and in politics. Fresh perspectives, new ideas and different viewpoints can re-energize boards.

I would like to see the MVC reconnect to some of the protective fervor which existed during and after the Down Island Golf Course process. We need to be fiercely protective of this Island and her people . . . this community.

Available Time Commitment

40-50 hours per month.